Home tests for rivals

Tonight (7.45pm)

Ryman Premier Division

Hornchurch v Canvey

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But I wish it was a sprint,” said Urchins boss Jimmy McFarlane this week, after a 5-2 opening-day win at Cray took his side to the top of the table.

Martin Tuohy netted twice in south London and was only denied a hat-trick by a controversial offside decision.

Canvey lost 2-1 at home against Carshalton, but have had an extra day to recover for tonight’s action.

Rob King’s hat-trick of penalties saw the Gulls to a 3-0 win at Bridge Avenue last season, but Urchins will be keen to redress the balance and in high spirits following their fine start to the campaign.

Division 1N

Romford v Redbridge

New-look Boro counted themselves somewhat unfortunate to return from Harlow empty-handed at the weekend.

But a 1-0 defeat against their much-fancied hosts was an improvement on last season, when they slumped to a 4-1 reverse.

Boro celebrated a pair of 3-1 wins over Motormen last term, but will not recognise many of Terry Spillane’s rebuilt squad, who fought back from 2-0 down for a 2-2 draw against Sudbury in their opener, thanks to goals from Lewis Dark and an injury-time header from Billy Sendall.