HORNCHURCH stayed nine points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division table with a 3-0 win against Haringey Borough at the weekend.

Tommie Hoban, Mauro Vilhete and Liam Nash were all on target for the long-time leading Urchins.

And boss Daryl McMahon was delighted with his side’s latest victory.

“It’s a really pleasing day,” said McMahon.

“I’m glad to win the game first and foremost but to also get three goals and a clean sheet.

“With Joe (Wright) back in goal it was good for him to get that clean sheet on his first game back and I’m delighted with the three points.

“It’s another game gone too.”

Hornchurch also have two games in hand on second-placed Chatham Town.

And McMahon was further boosted by the return to action of striker Nash, who scored after coming off the bench.

“Nashy could probably have been sub last week but we held him back to give him a bit more recovery,” added McMahon.

“Because we took Mauro in, it meant we didn’t have to rush him back as quickly as we would’ve done.

“It’s great to get him back and you could see his quality straight away.

“Its not just the goal, it’s his energy and he was terrific, Tommie (Hoban) as well.

“He’s been awesome in training since I’ve come in and it was great to get him in.

“For him to score as was well terrific.”

And he was joined on the scoresheet by former Southend United midfielder Vilhete who scored for the second game in succession since signing for the Urchins.

“I worked with Maz for probably two years at Dagenham,” said McMahon.

“He’s a really good player. He was an exceptional National League player to be honest, so to get him here is a real coup for us.”

Attention will now turn to Saturday’s trip to seventh-placed Hastings United.

“We’ll plan like we always do and we know it’s a tough game,” said McMahon.

“It’s a big pitch but we’ll go there to try and win the game.

“That’s the mentality of the group and it’s been like that all season."

Those sentiments were echoed by the in-form newcomer Vilhete.

“It’s another chance to get closer to clinching the title,” said the midfielder.

“We take it a game at a time and as long as we continue winning we know it’s ours.

“We go onto the next one and when that’s down, it’s the next one after that.”

But Vilhete will be heading into Saturday’s on a real high after scoring two well-taken headers for the Urchins.

“I’ve always had a knack of scoring headers to be honest with you,” said Vilhete.

“I don’t really get marked, so as long as I time my run to perfection and make good contact I’ve got a chance of scoring.

“ I’ve done it throughout my career and I’m delighted to have two.”

*Jack Taylor has been recalled by parent club Sutton United, having made three appearances during a one-month loan spell.