McFarlane ready for Sutton test

Jimmy McFarlane says his Hornchurch side have nothing to fear in tonight’s Ryman Premier Division clash at table-topping Sutton.

Urchins battled to a 1-1 draw against second-placed Bury at the weekend and hope to have Billy Coyne and Rickie Hayles available again if they pass fitness tests.

Michael Spencer is the only long-term absentee at present and McFarlane said: “We matched Bury and tonight should be a good game and a good test for us.

“We’ve got to nothing to fear.”

Duane Jackman netted on his return to the club to earn the point against Bury, but Urchins had Tommy Black sent off in injury time for dissent, after having a penalty appeal turned down.

Black is available tonight but will begin a two-week suspension on Saturday.

McFarlane added: “Too much time is spent talking about referees, at every level in football, but I thought he was awful.

“The referee must have been the only person in the ground who didn’t think it was a penalty.

“It was good to see Duane score, though, and long may it continue. He gives us that extra bit of height up front.”