Survival fight going down to the wire

Hornchurch captain Elliot Styles is hoping their Essex Senior Cup final success against Grays can boost his side’s fight for Conference South survival.

Urchins visit Sutton tomorrow (Saturday) and cannot afford to lose at Gander Green Lane. If results go against Jimmy McFarlane’s men, they could find themselves relegated before the final match of the season, at home to Hayes, tomorrow week (April 27).

Several players, ineligible for the cup final, return to the squad and speaking of the success at Dagenham & Redbridge this week Styles said: “More than anything, it was a win and a nice atmosphere to play in and hopefully we can push on now.

“We had a few people cup-tied so we’ll have them back for the weekend and that will strengthen us up to go again.

“They will have a few more days rest than us and we have got the bit between our teeth and will take this into Saturday.”

Sutton thumped Hayes 5-1 in midweek and have won their last three meetings with Hornchurch on home turf.

Styles added: “Sutton are a tough team, especially at their place where we haven’t been able to come away with three points for a long while.

“But we have got the momentum now and if we stay up it is a successful season for us.”