McFarlane: It was hard work

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane admitted he was pleased to bring three points back from East Thurrock on Saturday.

Lewis Smith’s early goal proved enough for a 1-0 win in the Ryman Premier Division clash, keeping Urchins in sixth place, two points behind leaders Billericay.

But McFarlane revealed he could not completely relax, saying: “One slip and it’s two points dropped.

“I said before the game I would’ve taken an ugly 1-0 win and that’s what we got.

“It was a local derby and they didn’t disappoint. We worked hard and we’ve won two out of two derbies now.”

Hornchurch were 3-2 winners at Aveley last month and return to Bridge Avenue on Saturday to host Kingstonian, who have overcome a slow start to the season to reach a mid-table position.

McFarlane hopes to have experienced midfielder Jonathan Hunt available again, as he is due to have a plaster cast removed from his wrist.

Urchins travel to Cheshunt next Tuesday for a league cup tie.