Hornchurch boss looks for strong finish

Jimmy McFarlane does not know who will turn up for Hornchurch’s Ryman Premier Division clash with Kingstonian today (Friday).

McFarlane saw his inconsistent side fall to a 3-0 defeat at Canvey last weekend, all but ending their own hopes of promotion.

Seven points adrift of the top five going into today’s game, Urchins visit lowly Aveley on Monday, before ending the season with a home game against Maidstone tomorrow week (April 30).

But McFarlane said: “It’s a tall order now. We’re relying on everyone else.

“We’ve got to try and win the next three games but they’re all going to be tough, with the last two fighting for survival.

“But the opposition don’t worry me, it’s who turns up for us. Inconsistency has been a big problem.

“Canvey are a decent side, but I think 3-0 flattered them. We didn’t do ourselves justice.”

Romford’s faint play-off dream is finally over, following a 2-0 loss at Maldon.

But boss Paul Martin wants them to end the campaign on a high, starting against Sudbury at Mill Field tomorrow.

“We’re setting the bar high now and hoping to bring in a few more experienced players with a bit of extra quality so we can get stronger and stronger,” said Martin, whose side visit Ilford on Monday.

“I want to get Martin Heed involved in the last few games now the pressure is off and have a look at him and Abs Seymour together.

“Manzi [Mbala] will get games too and we’re hoping Ricki Mackin might pull through as well. He’s had a couple of weeks rest now.”