Mixed fortunes for rivals

Hornchurch moved up to second place in the Ryman Premier Division table after a 2-1 win at Wingate.

Only nine minutes had been played when Jon Hunt’s cross was handled by Ola Williams and Martin Tuohy stepped up to score his 19th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Wingate got back on terms seven minutes before the break when Ross Parmenter’s free-kick was headed home by Marc Weatherstone.

But Urchins regained the lead seven minutes after the restart when Rickie Hayles and Michael Spencer moved the ball upfield on the right and Lewis Smith fired home an angled shot for his 13th of the campaign.

The visitors had chances to extend their lead, but had a let-off when Leon Smith’s effort clipped the top of the crossbar.

An 11th away league win in 13 outings allowed Urchins to climb above previous leaders Billericay, who were beaten 4-2 at Tooting, as Lowestoft took over at the top of the pile with a 2-1 success at Horsham.

And Jimmy McFarlane’s men can move into pole position with a home win against Harrow at Bridge Avenue tomorrow.

Romford were put to the sword by in-form Enfield Town as they slumped to a 5-0 home defeat in Ryman Division One North.

Boro boss Paul Martin gave a long-awaited debut to Chris Sullivan and also welcomed Andy Edmunds back into the line-up, following his return to the club late last week.

But after an evenly-fought opening period, the hosts fell behind on 27 minutes when Jon Moore pounced on a loose ball to score.

Town doubled their lead before the break when an unmarked Neil Johnson picked his spot to beat namesake Lamar Johnson.

And Romford were left with a mountain to climb six minutes after the restart when David Ottley hooked a low cross into his own net.

Nick Reynolds made an earlier than expected return to action off the bench, after snapping two fingers and having surgery before the festive break.

And his flick-on teed up captain Paul Clayton for a volley, which Noel Imber held at the second attempt.

Imber also denied Ellis Skidmore before Town went 4-0 up on 78 minutes as Rudi Hall netted from the penalty spot.

The visitors went nap soon after as a quick break and low cross from the right presented Walid Matata with the chance to score.

A third successive defeat, without scoring, saw Boro drop to 15th in the table and Martin will hope to get back on track at basement boys Ilford next weekend.