Urchins come out on top in replay

FA Trophy Replay

Farnborough 2 Hornchurch 3

Hornchurch will travel to former Football League club Grimsby in the new year after winning their FA Trophy replay at Farnborough last night.

Lewis Smith’s 73rd-minute goal clinched victory over Conference South strugglers Farnborough, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Smith had been sent off himself for two bookable offences as the two sides battled to a goalless draw at Bridge Avenue on Saturday.

But it was Farnborough’s Doug Bergqvist who received his marching orders for a professional foul in last night’s return clash, before Martin Tuohy opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Phillip Appiah got the ten-men back on terms, though, and Reece Connolly put them 2-1 up before half-time following a mix-up in the Urchins defence.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men would not be denied, though, and Tuohy squared matters once against just before the hour with his 15th goal of the campaign.

And Smith, who will miss Hornchurch’s big Ryman Premier Division clash at Billericay on December 27 due to suspension, popped up with the winner before making way for Michael Spencer in the closing stages.

Hornchurch held on during four minutes of stoppage time to clinch victory and �5,000 prize money. And they will head to Grimsby, who are currently lying in 15th place in the Conference Premier, on January 14.

They return to their promotion campaign on Saturday, as Aveley visit Bridge Avenue for a league derby.