Matchwinner preparing for marriage

After sealing promotion Hornchurch hero Michael Spencer was quick to turn his attentions onto his next big match — his wedding.

Spencer fired a late extra time winner for Urchins against Lowestoft and revealed he would celebrate in style later this summer.

He said: “I’m getting married so I’m concentrating on my family now. And I will enjoy a nice pina colada on honeymoon in Jamaica!

“It’s not the best goal I’ve scored, but it’s the most important and means the most to the club.”

Spencer was sent on late in the first period of extra time, replacing Andy Tomlinson after a typically hard-working display on the left.

And he revealed he had a strange feeling he might make a notable contribution to the cause, as Urchins chased a place in Conference South, adding: “I was told to just hold my position and not get too far forward, but I fancied a goal when I woke up in the morning and said if I got the chance I’d look to get one.

“It was as tense as it has been all season. It was like a cup final where one mistake or one moment of brilliance was going to be important.

“For Lewis (Smith), at the end of extra time and the end of a long season, to get into space and have the quality to put in a ball like that, shows what a top player he is.

“I thought Leon (McKenzie) was going to hit it on the turn, but he left it for me and I just wanted to get it across the keeper. It wasn’t the best connection, but it was just inside the post.”

Manager Jimmy McFarlane and Spencer’s teammates poured praise on the matchwinner, whose historic strike was his 12th for the club, on his 150th appearance.

But he remained modest about his impact and believes Urchins can make their mark at the higher level.

He said: “I love football and playing games when I get the chance. I prefer left wing, but I love to play wherever I’m needed and can normally do a job. I’m just happy to be part of it. I’m chuffed.

“It means everything to the club. We haven’t got the biggest budget or squad, but we’ve got a good bunch of guys and very loyal fans. You could see how much it meant to them.

“We’ve got a good relationship with the fans and they really appreciate it if you work hard and play well.

“We’ve got players who have played at that level and in our FA Trophy run we played Farnborough and Thurrock and made them look average. We’ll be a match for anyone.”