Urchins back on home turf

Hornchurch boss Jimmy McFarlane expects his men to show their powers of bouncebackability against Basingstoke tomorrow.

Urchins lost 1-0 at Conference South rivals Weston in a disappointing display last weekend but, with the exception of a poor run in October, have previously rallied from defeat with at least a point in their next game.

McFarlane anticipates a much-improved display at Bridge Avenue and said: “We’re normally quite good after a defeat; we usually bounce back quite well.

“I know the lads very well and defeat hurts them, so they will be determined to produce a response.

“We need to get back on track because we have a tough Christmas period coming up.”

McFarlane will not take anything for granted, though, despite Basingstoke sitting one off the bottom of the table.

He added: “Basingstoke are a decent side. But I don’t worry too much about the opposition; I worry more about ourselves and whether we’re going to turn up.

“We generally hold our own against the better sides but have disappointed so far against some of the lower teams. We need to develop some consistency.”

Urchins are currently 18th in the table, but McFarlane remains calm about their position. He said: “I’m not terribly concerned about our situation — but I will be if we’re in the same position after another 15 games.

“The players are learning they have to be on the ball every week at this level.”

Defender Paul Goodacre remains unavailable for the game with a virus.