McFarlane: We need five more wins

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane believes his side need five more wins to clinch a place in the Ryman Premier Division play-offs - but they have only got six games to get them.

Urchins lie three points off the top five going into their clash at lowly Horsham today (Saturday), after being held to a 2-2 draw at Margate last weekend.

And McFarlane says his side have to cut out the mistakes if they are to keep their promotion bid on track.

He said: “Individual errors are costing us and it seems like we’re being punished for every mistake we make.

“We got two good goals at Margate and had good chances, but another error meant it was another two points dropped.

“It was an every-day corner which we should be dealing with, but that’s the story of the last month.”

Urchins have slipped out of contention in recent weeks, taking only five points from a possible 15, but won four games in a row before that.

“I think we need five wins out of six now and we did it a month ago so it’s possible.

“We’ve got the players to do it and some of the performances have been ok. We’re working hard enough, but we’ve got to cut out the mistakes.”

Hornchurch’s hopes have been hit by the departure of striker Kieron St Aimie, who has joined Conference outfit Kettering.

But McFarlane added: “I’ve spoken to their manager and he has said we can have Kieron back if we get into the play-offs. But we’ve got to get there first.”

Romford travel to high-flying Needham Market in Division One North, looking to keep their own faltering play-off bid alive.

And boss Paul Martin remains upbeat about Boro’s chances.

He said: “There are eight games to go and we’re not out of the play-offs yet.

“I fancy us at Needham Market, on the strength of them struggling to get results recently, but we’ve got a hard run-in: it seems a long season this year!

“I still think there are six or seven teams fighting for fifth place, but can we get the points we need in our games in hand?”