Friendly success at Hornchurch

Romford earned the local bragging rights with a 3-0 friendly win against Hornchurch at Bridge Avenue last night.

Trialist Narada Emakpofe fired into the side netting for the home side, but Paul Martin’s men - playing their first match since December 14 - took the lead nine minutes before the break when Jack Barry finished off a nice move with a shot from the edge of the box.

And the visitors doubled their advantage just before the hour when Alex Read converted a cross from substitute Bostry Bansende.

Understrength Urchins, having lost Billy Coyne and Tommy Black to injury in the first half, were given a chance to hit back when awarded a penalty in the 70th minute.

But Joe Benjamin, having picked himself up after a foul by keeper Matt Bennett, saw his weak spot-kick comfortably saved.

And, to rub salt into their wounds, Paul Kavanagh volleyed home a spectacular third from a deep Andy Edmunds cross with virtually the last kick of the game.