Hornchurch back on home turf

Saturday

Ryman Premier Division

Hornchurch v East Thurrock

Urchins have gone three games without a win, equalling their worst run of the season.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men suffered three successive league defeats back in August, but their current winless streak started with a goalless draw against Harrow.

After an FA Trophy exit at Grimsby, Urchins suffered a last-gasp league defeat at Bury Town last weekend, where Reiss Noel was sent off for two yellow cards.

They remain in second place, though, and are only two points behind leaders Billericay, who were held to a goalless draw by lowly Hastings.

McFarlane will be keen for his men to rediscover the winning habit at Bridge Avenue tomorrow, but is expecting a tough derby clash against an East Thurrock.

Their 19-goal striker Martin Tuohy completes a three-game ban this weekend, but midfielder Frankie Curley starts a two-game suspension for bookings.

Rocks, meanwhile, are still hoping to reach the last 16 of the Trophy, after a 1-1 draw with Hampton & Richmond.

Their replay fell victim to a waterlogged pitch this week and they are due to try again on Tuesday. The winners of that tie will visit Northwich Victoria in the next round.

Ryman Division 1N

Ware v Romford

Boro celebrated their first win of 2012 with a 2-1 success over Chatham last weekend.

Early goals from Wale Odedoyin and Jack Barry set them on their way, before Barry saw red for handball late on.

Paul Martin’s men are now looking to boost their points tally over the next seven days, with tomorrow’s trip to Ware followed by a match at lowly Ilford on Wednesday, before Maldon visit Mill Field next weekend.

A maximum haul could catapult Boro to the fringes of the play-offs, with Kurt Smith and James Ishmail still to return from injury.

Romford need 20 points from their last 16 games to surpass their 2010/11 total and Martin will be mindful of the fact his side fell away in the closing stages of last season.