Romford hit the road in Ryman League

Saturday

FA Cup, second qualifying round

Billericay Town v Hornchurch

Urchins boss Jimmy McFarlane has admitted he was disappointed to be paired with Essex rivals Billericay so soon in this year’s competition.

The two clubs enter the FA Cup at the second qualifying round stange, having fought it out for the Ryman Premier Division title last season.

Blues were eventually crowned champions despite Hornchurch taking four of a possible six points from their two meetings.

Tommy Black’s goal proved enough for victory at New Lodge during the Christmas period and the two rivals battled to a goalless draw in the Bridge Avenue return at Easter.

Urchins followed Billericay into Conference South via the promotion play-offs and honours finished even when they met last month.

Sam Lechmere put Blues ahead, but Leon McKenzie levelled and only an inspired display from goalkeeper Dale Brightly denied his former Urchin teammates victory.

McFarlane’s men went six league games without a win before breaking their duck at Basingstoke to climb off the bottom of the table.

And they will make the short trip in confident mood, having beaten second-placed Dorchester last weekend thanks to Lewis Smith’s third goal of the campaign.

Hornchurch old boy Glenn Poole tops the Billericay scoring charts with six goals, all penalties, and another closely-fought contest is expected.

A replay, if needed, will be on Tuesday.

Ryman Division One North

Needham Market v Romford

Boro make the long trip to Suffolk this weekend on the back of a morale-boosting FA Trophy win.

They fell behind against Dulwich Hamlet at Ship Lane and then saw Nick Reynolds miss a penalty.

But Paul Martin’s men kept their composure, drew level through Adam Salmon’s long range effort and went on to record a 3-1 win as Reynolds and Reece Hewitt struck in the second half.

The spoils were shared in both meetings with Market last season, as Boro fought back from two goals down to earn a 3-3 draw in the corresponding fixture in April, after their Mill Field clash finished up level at 1-1.

Martin is considering giving a debut to young midfielder Tom Richardson, having seen Ryan Imbert impress on his first start against Hamlet.