Hornchurch fall to home defeat

Ryan Imbert’s hat-trick helped Romford record a stunning Ryman One North win at Sudbury at the weekend.

Striker Imbert netted three times as Boro romped to a 6-3 success in Suffolk, with Paul Clayton, Nick Reynolds and Tom Richardson also on target.

The visitors struck the woodwork twice in the opening stages before Clayton tapped home Richardson’s cross.

Imbert poked home his first goal from Jack Barry’s cross-shot, before former West Ham youngster Lee Boylan replied from the penalty spot.

Boylan levelled matters on the stroke of half-time, but Reynolds restored Romford’s lead three minutes into the second half and Clayton hit the crossbar midway through the half.

Imbert backheeled home from close range to make it 4-2 and Richardson netted a superb fifth on 72 minutes.

Boylan completed his treble soon after with a deflected strike, but Imbert had the final say seven minutes from time to ensure a happy coach journey home for Paul Martin’s men.

Hornchurch, meanwhile, slipped to a controversial 1-0 home defeat against Conference South rivals Eastbourne.

Urchins had the better of the first half at Bridge Avenue, but saw a string of chances go to waste and Martin Tuohy’s header ruled out.

The home side claimed the ball had crossed the line, but their appeals were ignored and Eastbourne grabbed all three points midway through the second half.

Joe Woolley was penalised, after racing out of his goal to clear and colliding with an Eastbourne player and then saw Chris Shephard fire the resulting free-kick into the net.

Urchins had penalty appeals waved away in the closing stages and saw further chances go begging as their frustrations in front of goal continued.