McFarlane: We’ve turned corner

Hornchurch boss Jimmy McFarlane is looking forward to getting his side’s Conference South campaign underway once again.

Urchins vist Hayes tomorrow (Saturday), having not played a competitive fixture for two weeks.

They ended a five-game losing streak with victory over Eastleigh and defeated Grays in a friendly, before their Essex Senior Cup tie at Canvey was postponed this week.

But McFarlane said: “I am not really worried about our last league game having been two weeks ago.

“I thought we’d turned the corner against Bishop’s Stortford despite the loss, and improved on that ever since.

“The friendly was an excellent game as it some the chance to boost their fitness and another set of minutes of those just back from injury.

“I have spoken to other managers about Hayes and Yeading and they’ve all come back and said they are a good side.

“They did well against Chelmsford last week but we’ll go into it full of confidence and it’s a nice surface over there, which always helps us play our best football.”

Joey May is the only injury doubt for McFarlane, who will not be taking Tuesday’s trip to Canvey lightly.

He added: “It’s nice to have an almost fully fit squad to pick from, it’s the first time in a long while.

“I’ll be putting out a strong team in the Essex Senior Cup as it is the only trophy we are still in and it is one I am fond of after winning it as a player and manager.

“It’s always nice to do well in it but it’ll be a big game against Canvey and hopefully we’ll come out on top.”