Urchins begin new season in style

Hornchurch began the new Ryman League season with a superb 5-2 win at Premier Division rivals Cray yesterday.

Forced to wait the extra 24 hours, while the rest of the league kicked-off the 2011/12 campaign on Saturday, Urchins fell behind in south London.

But Michael Spencer’s free-kick brought them level and Martin Tuohy’s excellent volley made it 2-1 at half-time.

Tuohy struck again after the restart and Tommy Black made it 4-1 before the home side grabbed their second.

Substitute Jo Flack completed the scoring with Hornchurch’s fifth goal of the game and they welcome Canvey to Bridge Avenue tomorrow, after the Gulls lost 2-1 at home to Carshalton on Saturday.

Hornchurch chairman Colin McBride said: “We were probably second best in the first half, but went in 2-1 up.

“But we got stronger and stronger as the game went on and even had a goal disallowed, which looked fine.

“We picked up a couple of knocks and having to play on Sunday will make a difference on Tuesday.

“If it was December time and you hadn’t played for a while, playing Sunday and Tuesday wouldn’t be a big deal.

“There’s a couple of players who probably won’t make it and the rest will be a bit leggy, but if we can get a result it will be a decent performance.”

Romford returned from Harlow empty-handed after a battling display on Saturday.

The home side, among the favourites for the Division One North title, had the better of the first half and got their noses in front when Lee Roache’s header beat Lamar Joseph-Johnson on 28 minutes.

But Boro fought back in the second period, only to end up beaten 1-0.

Paul Martin’s men will look to open their account when they entertain Redbridge on Tuesday, after the Motormen drew 2-2 with Sudbury in their opener.

Aveley picked up a Premier point in a goalless draw with Kingstonian, meanwhile, and visit Margate tomorrow.