Urchins, Boro hit back

Hornchurch and Romford both battled back for a point in their respective Ryman League outings at the weekend.

After falling behind against Premier Division rivals Billericay in only the second minute, as Walid Matata beat Bobby Smith from long range, Urchins levelled 13 minutes from time when Tommy Black slotted home, after Martin Tuohy’s shot was blocked.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men might have snatched all three points late on, but Dave McSweeney saw his injury-time effort hit a post.

Boro returned to action after a two-week break at Waltham Forest and found themselves behind at the interval, after Ade Cole struck for the hosts.

But their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Joe Pearman and Andy Edmunds combined for Manzi Mbala to fire home on his return to first-team action after a badly broken ankle.

Urchins travel to Division One North side East Thurrock for a league cup tie tomorrow night (Tuesday, 7.45pm), while Boro host Tilbury at Mill Field on Wednesday.