Hornchurch end losing run

Urchins hold on for vital victory

A hard fought performance from Hornchurch gave them their first win in seven matches against Eastleigh.

An early goal from Rimmel Daniel proved enough for the home side who, despite having a few key players missing, looked a much improved team.

Frankie Curley, Martin Tuohy and Lewis Smith were all serving one-game suspensions for Urchins, but Daniel claimed the only goal of this Conference South encounter after five minutes, when he slotted the ball calmly past Eastleigh keeper Ross Flitney after receiving a low cross from Tambeson Eyong.

Eastleigh tried to get back on level terms with efforts from Mitchell Nelson and Jai Reason which were comfortably saved by Joe Woolley.

And the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty in the 31st minute, but the Hornchurch keeper saved well from Craig McAllister.

Rimmel had another effort from a free-kick, but Flitney was equal to the midfielder’s attempt.

Eastleigh started the better of the two sides in the second half and Woolley pulled off a point blank save Jai Reason.

They continued to pile on the pressure as they looked for an equaliser, while Hornchurch’s only real chance of the second period fell to Leon McKenzie who shot over from distance on the half volley.

Eastleigh created lots of chances in the second half, but they couldn’t get past an inspired Woolley as Jimmy McFarlane’s men held on for three vital points.

Hornchurch: Woolley, Bentley, Reynolds, Styles, Goodacre, Noel, Eyong (May 83), Tomlinson, McKenzie, Gray (Love 36), Daniel (Cutler 74).