New year, new hope

Saturday January 1

Ryman Premier Division

WEALDSTONE v HORNCHURCH

Frustrated by frozen pitches throughout the second half of December, Urchins will be hoping it’s not too wet at Wealdstone.

Chairman Colin McBride was unhappy with how the fixtures came out – when there might have been a money-spinning home match as an alternative – and his mood was darkened further by the postponement of the Bank Holiday derby with Aveley.

Nonetheless, Urchins will head to north west London unbeaten in nine league matches, stretching back to THAT defeat at Tonbridge.

That run has lifted them into a play-off place and manager Jimmy McFarlane appears to have a nice, settled squad at his disposal now.

Wealdstone, meanwhile, lost Kieron Forbes to Forest Green this week and taking all three points back to Bridge Avenue would be just the start to 2011 he and McBride are looking for.

Ryman Division 1N

LEYTON v ROMFORD

Boro saw their four-month unbeaten league record ended by leaders East Thurrock in their last outing.

And, after winnable fixtures against Enfield Town and Ilford fell victim to the big freeze, Paul Martin’s men will hope to get back on track against struggling Leyton at the Hare & Hounds.

The east London club slumped to an 8-0 reverse in their last outing, at Needham Market, and are without a goal in four matches, having also lost eight of their last 10.

Martin is set to serve the second match of a two-game ban, but Toran Senghore is back in contention after a one-game suspension and Alex Read is over the bout of flu which caused him to miss the 2-0 loss against Rocks.

Danny Mulrooney is set to replace the unavailable Adam Rafis in goal, as Neil Finn recovers from an operation on his knee.