Best support I’ve known says McFarlane

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane has thanked those supporters who travelled to Grimsby for their FA Trophy tie at the weekend.

Urchins bowed out of the competition after a 4-0 defeat against the Conference Premier side, much to McFarlane’s frustration.

But the boss was quick to highlight the excellent backing his players received at Blundell Park.

He said: “Our support was as good as I’ve ever been involved with.

“They totally outsung the 2,000-odd Grimsby fans all day.

“They were absolutely top drawer and well worthy of a mention.”

Shaun Pearson headed the Mariners into a 12th-minute lead and Anthony Elding added a brace to make it 3-0 at the break.

Urchins, without suspended leading scorer Martin Tuohy, rallied after the restart and Michael Spencer hit a post, while Tommy Black saw a close-range effort deflected over.

Lewis Smith was also denied by home keeper James McKeown before Conor Townsend netted Grimsby’s fourth in the 72nd minute.

McFarlane added: “The three goals in the first half killed us, but you can’t make naive errors, let alone against a Conference side.

“We had some good chances in the second half but couldn’t take them. If they had fallen to Martin he might’ve taken a couple — it’s what he does.

“But we more than held our own on the football front. When we started to pass it around, they were chasing shadows in the second half.”