Big Billericay clash at Bridge Avenue

Bank Holiday Monday (3pm)

Ryman Premier Division

Hornchurch v Billericay

Urchins boss Jimmy McFarlane has been talking of there being more twists and turns in this season’s title race.

And there were a couple on Good Friday, which have left his side with their destiny in their own hands once more.

Urchins were 1-0 down at Tooting, while Billericay led Carshalton thanks to an early own goal at New Lodge.

Had the scorelines stayed the same, Hornchurch would have found themselves five points adrift of the leaders going into today’s meeting.

But Billericay were then pegged back by a Carshalton equaliser, while Hornchurch hot-shot Martin Tuohy struck twice in the last seven minutes, to take his tally for the season to 30, and the gap shrank to just two points.

It was a fifth win in six games for in-form Urchins — who lost 2-1 at home to Cray last month — and four more wins will see them crowned champions.

After hosting Billericay today, they visit Wealdstone and Harrow, before a final day assignment against Leatherhead.

Blues, meanwhile, have won four of their last six but are unbeaten in 13, going back to a 4-2 defeat at Tooting in early January.

They include former Urchins Dave Collis and Glenn Poole, who went close to a late winner against Carshalton when his free-kick hit the woodwork.

And it promises to be another titanic battle between the two rivals.

Hornchurch came out on top thanks to a solitary goal from Tommy Black when they met just after Christmas, in front of a crowd of 1,106.

And another bumper audience is expected for the return clash, which Blues boss Craig Edwards has called “a local derby with a cup final feel about it”.

No silverware will be handed out today, of course, but the winners will feel they have one hand on the trophy.