Boro plot upset as Urchins head west

Romford’s Paul Martin will not be distracted by league tables when he sends his men into FA Trophy battle at Boreham Wood tomorrow.

In-form Boro travel round the M25 in good spirits, occupying third place in Ryman One North.

Wood, meanwhile, were sent to the bottom of the Conference South after Thurrock’s midweek win over Staines, but Martin remains on his guard.

He said: “They’ve been unlucky in their last couple of games. They drew 2-2 with Hampton and then lost 3-2 to Dover after a freak goal.

“You can’t go by league form in cup games, but there are always upsets.

“We’ve had them watched and they’re stronger than we predicted, considering they’re struggling at the bottom of the league.

“We’ve got to be on our top form to compete with them, but if we perform at our best I think we can give them a decent game.”

Hornchurch make the long trip down to Devon today (Friday) as favourites for their tie against Bideford.

Urchins have moved into play-off contention in the Ryman Premier Division and suffered just one penalty shoot-out defeat in their last 11 league and cup games, following a 3-1 win over Tonbridge at the weekend.

Midfielder Tambeson Eyong signed a contract with the club this week after a string of impressive displays, but is suspended tomorrow, opening the way for the experienced Jonathan Hunt to return to the side.

And manager Jimmy McFarlane says his squad are ready for the challenge. He said: “We’ve had the week to have a blow and get a few of the boys a bit of treatment in preparation for Saturday.

“We’ve got a few little knocks, but have had time to rest and work on a few things. We’re looking good at set-pieces at the moment.”