Urchins face Brentwood in hastily-arranged fixture

Hornchurch will take on Brentwood at Barking Football Club’s Mayesbrook Park base in a hastily-arranged pre-season friendly tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

Originally due to visit Heybridge, Urchins were looking at a blank midweek when Swifts pulled out to play against a celebrity side instead.

But manager Jimmy McFarlane received a welcome phone call from an old friend and will now take a squad to play Ryman One North side Brentwood.

He said: “Andy Tomlinson rang to ask if we still wanted a game and it will be ideal for me to have a look at a few players.

“We’ll play some of the younger guys who haven’t had lots of time. It will be a good opportunity for those who haven’t had too many minutes in games and it will give some of the more established players a rest.”

Urchins are unbeaten in six pre-season friendlies, following a 1-1 draw with Conference South new boys Tonbridge Angels last Thursday and a 3-1 win over a youthful West Ham XI on Saturday.

“I was extremely pleased with Saturday,” said McFarlane.

“Everyone I spoke to said it was a really good game to watch, with both sides looking to knock it about.”