HORNCHURCH defender Ryan Scott is confident the Urchins can secure promotion this season – despite the departure of boss Steve Morison.

The Isthmian League Premier Division leaders have yet to appoint a permanent replacement for Morison who left to take charge of League Two strugglers Sutton United earlier this month.

But Scott feels Hornchurch have overcome Morison’s surprise exit with club captain Lewwis Spence stepping up to be caretaker manager.

“There was some initial shock as it all happened quite quickly but a lot of this group has been together a long time and has lots of experience at this level and higher,” said Scott.

“Lewwis is a calm head who all the lads trust and have respected as their captain and nothing much has changed with our approach to games and training since Steve left.

“We know what is expected of us as players and we have come through two tough away games with draws which is credit to the group all things considered.

“I am confident our group has the character and the ability to win promotion but there’s a long way to go.”

Hornchurch are currently six points clear of second placed Chatham Town with a game in hand after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Billericay Town on Tuesday.

And Scott thought the Urchins dug deep for their share of the spoils.

“I felt it was quite a scrappy game which neither team wanted to lose,” said Scott, who skippered Hornchurch at New Lodge.

“We had people playing out of position from the start through injury and then with a couple more injuries coming during the game it was important we dug in and came away with something.

“Losing Ade (Yusuff) after half an hour was really unfortunate and I’m hoping his injury isn’t too serious.”

Having come from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Carshalton on Saturday, thanks to an Ade Yusuff penalty and late Tom Wraight goal, Hornchurch took an early lead at Billericay on courtesy of an own goal from Ryan Henshaw.

The hosts wasted a golden opportunity to draw level in the 39th minute with Bradley Stevenson seeing his penalty saved by Dion-Curtis Henry. But Stevenson made amends by slamming home another spot-kick 13 minutes from time. 

Scott is now turning his attention towards Saturday’s clash at home to bottom of the table Concord Rangers.

“Every game since August has been huge in my opinion,” he added.

“We came into the season with high expectations and put together a great run that put us top of the league.

“This puts a target on your back and raises the demands needed within our group every time we step on the pitch.

“Saturday will be a tough test regardless of our opponent as again it’s no secret we have players missing and pitches this time of year can certainly level the playing field.

“But it is key we try to get back to winning ways and we will back ourselves to do so.”

Victory would strengthen Hornchurch’s push for the title but Scott continues to take nothing for granted.

“Football can change all too quickly and if you start sitting on the comfy chair because things are going well then you can certainly come undone,” he said.

“As things stand we are in a good position that I’d have taken if you offered it in August and for now as long as we focus on us as a group it’s in our hands.”