Romford held on home turf

Hornchurch edged to a slender win over Met Police to keep their Ryman Premier Division title dream alive.

Martin Tuohy’s penalty, just before half-time, proved enough at Bridge Avenue to keep Urchins four points behind table-topping Billericay.

And it took Tuohy’s tally for the season to an impressive 28, after strike partner Lewis Smith had been brought down by Police keeper Jamie Butler.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men on the hour when Eddie Smith was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

But Hornchurch could not add to their tally and visit Tooting on Good Friday, before welcoming Billericay in a potential title decider on Monday.

Romford had to settle for a point against Ryman Division One North rivals Waltham Abbey.

Boro were off to a superb start at Mill Field, as Kurt Smith netted twice inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Smith took his tally for the season to 18 in the process, but Abbey hit back with goals from Adam Bolle and Tom Bruno to level before half-time.

Paul Martin’s men went close to regaining the lead through Wale Odedoyin and Jack Barry in the second half, but Abbey almost snatched a last-minute winner as Billy Jones fired wide.

Boro need four more points from their last five games to reach manager Martin’s target and visit struggling Cheshunt on Saturday before hosting promotion hopefuls Grays on Monday.