Romford miss out against Maldon

Hornchurch moved to within a point of the summit of the Ryman Premier Division last night.

Two goals from Lewis Smith sealed a 2-1 win at Carshalton to allow Urchins to close the gap on leaders Billericay, who did not play.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men had lost their previous two matches, against Hastings and Hendon, but took the lead after 27 minutes at Colston Avenue as Smith netted on his return to the starting line-up.

Smith took his tally for the season to 15 just past the hour to double Hornchurch’s advantage, before Paul Vines snatched a last-minute consolation for the Robins.

Play-off rivals Lowestoft are five points back in third place after being held to a draw by East Thurrock, but have a game in hand.

Urchins have nine games remaining and host promotion hopefuls Cray at Bridge Avenue on Saturday.

Meanwhile, inconsistent Romford lost a seven-goal thriller against Ryman One North rivals Maldon at Mill Field.

Boro struggled to settle and fell behind when Maldon captain Adam Flanagan headed home from a free-kick.

Ollie Berquez made it 2-0 from the penalty spot before the break after a foul on Sos Yao and Ross Wall struck a third on the hour, heading in at the far post.

Boro hit back when Flanagan headed into his own net, but Wall quickly restored Maldon’s three-goal cushion.

Kurt Smith was left needing treatment after bravely heading in Romford’s second on 80 minutes and substitute Wale Odedoyin cut the gap to one with three minutes left.

But Boro were left empty-handed when Hussein Isa’s long range effort came back off the far post.

Romford return to action with another home match against Harlow on Saturday.