Rivals bounce back from cup exits

Romford and Hornchurch put their FA Cup disappointments behind them to pick up Ryman League points at the weekend.

Boro bounced back from a 4-2 defeat at Southend Manor with a 1-1 draw against in-form Needham Market in Division One North.

Paul Martin’s men gave an improved defensive display at Mill Field, despite seeing Paul White limp off early on his return to the side.

The Marketmen took a 20th minute lead through Sam Newson, but White’s replacement, Chuck Duru, levelled 14 minutes later from Jack Barry’s lay-off.

Boro went close to a winner when Adrian Clifton’s lob came back off the crossbar as honours finished even.

Hornchurch, meanwhile, had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Premier Division rivals Wealdstone.

Both sides went into the Bridge Avenue clash on the back of FA Cup exits – Hornchurch losing 3-1 at home to Concord – and Martin Tuohy headed an early chance over for Urchins.

Frankie Curley glanced a header just past a post before Tuohy volleyed narrowly wide as the first half ended goalless.

Lewis Smith went close from a free-kick soon after the restart, while Joe Woolley pushed out Chris O’Leary’s header at the other end.

Urchins broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Tuohy teed up Smith for a fine first-time finish.

Smith was denied a second by a superb low save by Jonathan North before Stones grabbed their equaliser.

North’s long clearance found O’Leary and Scott McCubbin’s cross-shot was forced home by Richard Jolly.