Thurrock ‘a good side’ says McFarlane

Hornchurch boss Jimmy McFarlane will not take anything for granted in his side’s FA Trophy clash at Thurrock tomorrow (Saturday).

Urchins beat the Conference South strugglers on penalties in the Essex Senior Cup less than two weeks ago.

And they made it eight wins out of nine in the Ryman Premier Division with a 3-1 success at Hastings last weekend.

But Fleet secured a vital 2-0 win at Hampton and McFarlane expects a tough test.

He said: “Wherever we go, we’ve got plenty of confidence playing away.

“But we’re under no illusions it will be a lot tougher.

“Thurrock remind me of Concord. They’re a good side just waiting to turn the corner and have got some good players.

“It’s an old adage about being too good to go down, but Robbie Garvey knows what it takes. He’s been there and got the T-shirt.

“I don’t think the Essex Senior Cup was Rob’s priority, but any manager wants to do well in the Trophy.”

Hornchurch were held to a draw by Carshalton in midweek, but the players came through unscathed, giving McFarlane a full squad to choose from at Ship Lane.

He added: “It’s good news when you’ve got a small squad like ours.

“We won’t fear it or take it lightly because we won on penalties in the Essex Senior Cup.

“We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing. Long may it continue.”