Tricky trips coming up

Hornchurch head to Bury tomorrow looking to build on their FA Trophy win over Brentwood.

Two Michael Black penalties saw Urchins to a 2-1 win, avenging their FA Cup defeat against the Blues.

And Jimmy McFarlane’s men will hope to transfer that to their Ryman Premier Division form, as they lie in 14th place.

Chairman Colin McBride said: “We more than deserved to beat Brentwood and it was a welcome win.

“We were on top, but when you’re not having the results you expect and want, a bit of panic and tension creeps in.

“We’re not taking our chances. We missed a hatful at East Thurrock [in a league cup defeat] and took that into the Brentwood game.

“It was evident in our cup games against them. We were the better side in both games, but we haven’t been that forceful up front.

“We thought we’d done something about it in the summer, but it didn’t work out.”

Martin Tuohy and Ross Wall have occupied the striking berths in recent outings, but Jamie Richards has left the club, along with midfielder Leon Hunter, and Jo Flack looks set to complete a switch to Conference South side Thurrock.

Urchins were handed a trip to Margate in the next round of the Trophy and McBride added: “They’re doing alright and have got a bit of a budget.

“We could’ve had worse draws, but we could have had a hell of a lot better.

“It’s a game we can win and it might take two games, who knows. But hopefully we can get a result.”

Before that comes the trip to Bury and another away game at Hastings on Tuesday.

“We’re looking forward to them and would take four points from the two games now,” said McBride.

“In fact, maybe just one win would do. They’re awkward places to go to and if you can get anything from them you’re delighted.

“The boys are showing the commitment still. It’s not a lack of effort, but we’re not taking chances and that can relax and steady you.”