Frustrating times for non-league clubs

Hornchurch and Romford suffered in front of goal in their latest outings at the weekend.

Urchins were foiled time and against by Weston-super-Mare goalkeeper Lloyd Irish as their Conference South clash ended in a goalless draw at Bridge Avenue on Saturday.

Boro, meanwhile, slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Ryman Division One North rivals Wroxham at Ship Lane yesterday.

Lewis Smith had Hornchurch’s best chance of a forgettable first half, but Irish saved well.

Smith sent strike partner Martin Tuohy racing though after the restart, but he fired over, and Elliot Styles headed another chance too high.

Irish then denied Paul Goodacre several times and kept out a late Smith effort to leave Urchins still searching for their first win of the new campaign as bottom club Weston held on for a point.

Romford fell behind after only six minutes against Wroxham when Lewis Payne was penalised for handball and Matt Daniels beat Michael Gooch from the spot.

Joe Turner and Hussain Isa missed chances to level before the break, but Boro had Gooch to thank for a fine save after the restart which denied Ben Thompson.

The home side’s best chance after that came in injury time, but Michael Sammut’s shot lacked power to trouble Wroxham keeper Michael Hiton.

Romford entertain Ilford on Saturday, looking to complete a quickfire double following their Bank Holiday success against the Foxes.

Hornchurch, meanwhile, make the short trip to winless Bromley tomorrow to take on a side beaten 2-0 at Farnborough on Saturday.