HORNCHURCH moved nine points clear at the top of the Isthmian Premier Division table after a 3-0 win at Concord Rangers on Tuesday night.

A hat-trick from Femi Akinwande secured the Urchins a sixth successive victory.
And Daryl McMahon’s side are now well set to clinch the title.

Akinwande’s first goal of the game at the Aspect Arena came with two minutes on the clock before he doubled Hornchurch’s lead with another effort in the 18th minute.

Akinwande completed his hat-trick and the scoring with a penalty 16 minutes from time as Hornchurch bagged a well-deserved win.

Concord were also desperate for the points as they continue their fight to beat the drop which has gathered pace in recent weeks.

The Beach Boys sit four points behind Margate, who are just above the relegation zone, with five games in hand and are fighting hard to close that gap.

Sammy Collins’ team beat third placed Billericay Town 2-1 last time out but found it tough going against the Urchins.

Akinwande’s early goal set the tone for a successful night as Hornchurch continued their charge to finish on top.

And defender Ryan Scott was delighted with the victory.

“At this stage of the season and the position we find ourselves, every win is a good win,” said Scott.

“There was some doubt if the game would go ahead so it was important we prepared right and maintained our standards.

“Concord have been on a great run of late and we knew it was going to be a real test on a really poor pitch.

“They have some really energetic younger players mixed with some good experienced players so I can see why they have been picking up points.

“But for us it was all about how we applied ourselves as a team more than anything and I was happy with another clean sheet and another potential banana skin out the way.”

However, Scott is taking nothing for granted.

“We know every team is waiting for us to slip up so it keeps the group motivated and working hard,” said the defender.

“Since the new management team have come in, the intensity of training has gone up even more which is also keeping us honest and focused.

Hornchurch will now be looking to keep their winning run going when they host 13th-placed Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

But Scott is expecting another stern test.

“We will be looking to keep this recent run of wins going but Cray have been on a good run of late and have a lot of goal threats in their team,” said Scott.

“We will prepare properly Thursday night like we have done all year and hopefully we can give the supporters something to cheer about come 5pm Saturday.”