Low profile suits McFarlane

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane is happy for his side to keep a low profile for the moment.

Urchins maintained their push for a Ryman Premier Division play-off place with a 2-1 win at Cray on Sunday and visit fellow hopefuls Carshalton tomorrow (Saturday).

McFarlane’s men lie a point off the top five in seventh place, but have lost just once in their last 12 league games.

He said: “Carshalton are another good side, but Cray had the best home record in the division, with only three conceded all year.

“I like where we are at the moment. The higher you are, the more likely you are to be shot at.

“I’m happy to sit where we are for now and kick on again in a few weeks time.”

Urchins travel to Division One North side Heybridge on Tuesday for an Essex Senior Cup quarter-final tie.

Beaten by League One side Colchester in last season’s delayed final, McFarlane is hoping his side can go one better and lift the silverware this time around.

He added: “It’s a cup we’ve always taken seriously and it would be nice to get back in the final – especially if we play it this year!”

Romford boss Paul Martin is hoping the weather is kind enough to let his side’s Ryman One North game at Brentwood go ahead tomorrow.

Boro won 3-2 at Cheshunt at the weekend, but saw their midweek clash at Tilbury called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Martin’s men have been dogged by postponements over the past two months and the Brentwood Arena pitch has had its own problems.

Steve Witherspoon took over as Blues manager this week, after the resignation of Les Whitton, and Martin is keen for his play-off chasing side to keep their momentum going.

He said: “Tilbury only just got their game played on Saturday so I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to play two on the spin.

“Brentwood haven’t played many games either lately so it could well be a long week off again.

“Fingers crossed we’ll get to play. We need to get games in now and I’m sure clubs are trying hard to get games on, but there’s probably a tropical storm coming Friday night!”