Hornchurch held in stalemate

It was another disappointing weekend for play-off chasing Romford and Hornchurch.

Boro returned empty-handed from their long trip to Ryman One North high-flyers Needham Market after suffering a 2-1 defeat.

And Premier Division Urchins had only a point to show for their efforts at Horsham.

Romford fell behind after 18 minutes when Craig Parker fired home from the penalty spot.

And, after Ricki Mackin limped off, they fell further behind as Parker converted a second spot-kick.

Danny Gay denied Kurt Smith a reply early in the second half, but Chris Thomas headed home from a Paul Kavanagh corner soon after to give Boro hope.

The visitors applied plenty of pressure in the final quarter, but had penalty appeals for a challenge on Paul Clayton waved away as Market held on for victory.

Romford lie five points off a play-off place, with two games in hand, and host Waltham Abbey tomorrow night.

Hornchurch, meanwhile, lost further ground on their promotion rivals after a goalless stalemate in Sussex.

Goalie Darren Behcet was a virtual spectator as Jimmy McFarlane’s men dominated and Urchins were left fuming when new signing Brian Haule went down in the box in injury time, only for penalty apppeals to be waved away.