Shorter Trophy trip for Urchins

Hornchurch were handed another away tie when the draw for the first round of the FA Trophy was made earlier today.

Urchins must visit former Ryman Premier Division rivals Ashford Town (Middx) next month, following their 3-0 win over Bideford at the weekend.

Rickie Hayles, Elliot Styles and Tommy Black were all on target in Devon to make the 520-mile round trip worthwhile, earning �4,000 in prize money.

Club chairman Colin McBride had been hoping for a plum tie against one of the Conference big boys, but a short trip to Ashford - who were relegated last season and then moved into the Southern League - presents a winnable tie for Jimmy McFarlane’s men, where another �5,000 will be on offer.

Hornchurch return to league action with a home game against Tooting tomorrow, looking to extend a nine-game unbeaten streak.