Rivals hit the road

Saturday

Ryman Premier Division

Wealdstone v Hornchurch

Urchins remain two points adrift of table-topping Billericay in the race for the title.

Jimmy McFarlane’s men could not close the gap when the two sides met at Bridge Avenue on Bank Holiday Monday, battling to a goalless draw in front of a crowd of 1,095.

And with only three matches remaining, it would appear that time is running out for Urchins in their bid for automatic promotion.

Honours finished even when Wealdstone visited Bridge Avenue in September, as Richard Jolly cancelled out Lewis Smith’s strike.

But Hornchurch’s away form has been exceptional all season and they go in search of a 16th league victory on the road this weekend.

They visit Harrow next weekend, before closing their campaign with a home match against Leatherhead.

Billericay, meanwhile, entertain East Thurrock this weekend and visit Margate before their season finale against Lowestoft.

Ryman Division 1N

Needham Market v Romford

Boro make the long trip to Suffolk to take on high-flying Needham Market this weekend.

Manager Paul Martin was disappointed with his side’s Easter return of a single point, from a 2-2 home draw with Grays.

Below-par Boro slumped to a 3-1 defeat at lowly Cheshunt on Saturday and looked on course for another reverse as Grays moved 2-0 up at Mill Field.

But goalscoring heroes Jack Barry and Kurt Smith added to their respective tallies in the final eight minutes to salvage a share of the spoils and take Boro to within three points of Martin’s target of 56, with three games remaining.