McFarlane: I’ll take a 1-0 win

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane says his side’s trip to Tooting today (Friday) is more important than their top-of-the-table clash with Billericay on Monday.

Urchins travel to south London still four points adrift of the leaders, but hoping the Bank Holiday weekend throws up another twist in the Ryman Premier Division title race.

McFarlane said: “If we don’t win at Tooting it makes it a massive task. Tooting is more important at the moment.

“Without sounding too negative, a 1-0 win will do again. Three points is the most important thing.”

Martin Tuohy’s 28th goal of the season, a penalty, enabled Urchins to see off Met Police last weekend.

And McFarlane admitted it was an uncomfortable afternoon at Bridge Avenue.

“It’s never comfortable for a manager when it’s 1-0,” he said.

“We missed a few chances, but they’re a decent side and have still got half a chance of the play-offs.

“I know some people talk about goal difference, but I’ll take 1-0 wins every game from now until the end of the season.”

Urchins won 6-0 when Tooting visited Bridge Avenue earlier this season and the Terrors were hit for six by Concord only a couple of weeks ago.

But McFarlane is not taking anything for granted.

He added: “The Concord manager said it wasn’t a 6-0 game.

“They’ve got a few players who used to play for us and will want to do well against their old club. And a few others were approached by them as well.”

Billericay host Carshalton today and McFarlane is hoping to close the gap at the top or at the very least, keep it the same.

Urchins won 1-0 at New Lodge during the Christmas period, thanks to Tommy Black’s goal, and McFarlane added: “If we go into Monday’s game with the same points, the interest will still be alive and we might get a bigger crowd.

“I’m very confident we can win and I’m not just saying that. I look at them and us and I wouldn’t swap any of my side.

“Craig (Edwards) will say the same and they have, without doubt, been on a great run but they all have to come to an end.

“I’ve said it before. On our day, there’s no reason we should fear anyone in this league.

“At this stage of the season, you are where you deserve to be. Where you end up is another thing.

“They’ve been a bit more consistent than us but for us to be second at Easter, I think the club would’ve been over the moon with that in July and it’s all there to play for.”