Urchins held to a point

Hornchurch had to settle for just a point after a 1-1 draw with Ryman Premier Division rivals Carshalton last night.

Urchins may have won eight out of nine away games so far this season, but their Bridge Avenue form remains a mystery, with 11 points now taken from a possible 24.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men fell behind four minutes before half-time when Joe Woolley spilled a free-kick and Justyn Roberts hooked the loose ball into the net.

But the home side dominated after the restart and got back on terms on the hour when Lewis Smith created the chance for Frankie Curley to fire home his second goal of the campaign.

That was as good as it would get for Urchins, though, as their attempts to find a winner were ultimately frustrated.

Urchins moved above Lowestoft on goal difference, but remain second in the table after Billericay climbed to the top with a 5-0 win at Horsham.

They now turn their attentions to their FA Trophy tie at Thurrock on Saturday, before hosting Hendon in the league next Tuesday.

*Former Romford goalie Adam Rafis helped Redbridge clinch a place in the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history with an extra-time win at Oxford City.

Rafis had performed heroics in the original meeting at Oakside, which ended goalless, and made a key save to keep Motormen in the tie after Lee Steele had given the hosts the lead in their replay.

And Redbridge got back on terms as Nathan Gordon reacted quickest when Aveley old boy Ben Bradbury saw his penalty saved.

Matt Turpin headed against the post for Redbridge early in extra time, as fog began to envelop the ground, but they claimed a winner when Bradbury found space on the left and kept his composure to score.

Rafis denied Steve Basham in the second period and saw Wayne Blossom head the resulting corner against the crossbar as Motormen famously held on to book a trip to League Two high-flyers Crawley.