Last-minute goal sends Urchins to defeat

Hornchurch’s automatic promotion hopes suffered a blow as Joe Vines struck in the 89th minute to give play-off chasing Cray Wanderers victory at Bridge Avenue on Saturday.

It was a case of dropped points at home again for Jimmy McFarlane’s Ryman Premier Division hopefuls, who should have taken a first half lead when a mix-up at the back gifted Leon McKenzie a one-on-one chance with keeper Andy Walker, but he somehow missed the target.

The game improved after the break and Urchins keeper Joe Woolley did well to deny Danny Phillips, while at the other end Walker had to be on form to frustrate Martin Tuohy at close range.

The introduction of Fola Orilonishe livened the hosts up, but Cray took a 70th-minute lead as Leigh Bremner jinked his way past Rickie Hayles and Joe Anderson before firing a low left-footed effort past Woolley’s outstretched hand.

Urchins responded almost immediately to get back on terms as Orilonishe’s left-wing delivery found Tuohy and he applied the finishing touch for his 24th of the season.

The home side had two strong penalty appeals waved away in the closing stages, though, and Cray took all three points when substitute Jamie Darvill’s cross into the box was met by Vines and he fired in from close range.