HORNCHURCH head to Bognor Regis Town on a high this weekend – but in-form Femi Akinwande is not getting carried away.

Akinwande hit a hat-trick in Hornchurch’s 3-0 win at Concord Rangers last time out and the Urchins sit nine points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division standings with three games in hand on second-placed Chatham Town.

But Akinwande knows there is plenty of football - a dozen matches for Daryl McMahon's men - still to be played.

“It's crucial not to get carried away just yet,” said Akinwande.

“The management keeps us grounded and, as a team, we consistently work hard in training.

“As a collective, we understand there is still a long way to go but ultimately being league champions is everyone’s goal at Hornchurch.

“We will stay as a unit and strive to get it done.”

The Urchins certainly did just that against struggling Concord last time out.

And Akinwande was delighted to head home with the match ball.

“I was thrilled with the hat-trick last time out,” he added.

“I've been putting in extra work this season and it's paying off with the amount of goals I'm scoring.

“It was also a great win for the team, which keeps us in the right form going into the next game.

“As I say, 'bills paid' with those goals!

“It's always satisfying to see the results of hard work on the field, and I was pleased with how the game unfolded.”

The Urchins were unable to build on that win against the Beach Boys as their home clash with Cray Wanderers was called off due to a waterlogged Bridge Avenue pitch at the weekend .

But Akinwande is delighted with the way things have been going.

“I'm very pleased with how my season's going and I plan on staying sharp and doing well with God by my side,” said Akinwande.

“Personally, my season is going well because I trusted myself, God, and my ability, and put in the extra yards to be successful this season.

“As for the team, we've been performing admirably, but there's always room for improvement.

“The new management have come in and shown us we can be better, and there’s so much more for us to learn.”

But Akinwande is certain McMahon’s side can stay in pole position.

“I'm confident in our ability to finish off the job,” he said.

“As long as we stay focused and locked in, it’s ultimately down to us to stay on top and be crowned league champions.

“We have all bought into the goal of winning the league and it shows with how we train and compete week in, week out.

“We've been working hard, and we have the talent to achieve our goals.”

But Akinwande is expecting a tricky test at 13th-placed Bognor Regis this weekend.

“We expect a tough match,” said Akinwande, who has 13 goals in 20 appearances to date.

“Every opponent presents its challenges so we'll need to prepare thoroughly and give our best effort on the field.”