Hornchurch captain Billy Gordon wants to build on a strong performance against Wanstead as his side head to Hutton on Saturday.

Contrasting half-centuries from Paul Murray (55 off 110) and Adeel Malik (75 off 69) led Hornchurch to 247 against the Hamro Foundation Essex League Premier Division leaders last weekend.

Romford Recorder: Paul Murray hits out for Hornchurch against WansteadPaul Murray hits out for Hornchurch against Wanstead (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

And wickets were shared by Hornchurch's four-man bowling attack as the Herons were left hanging on for a draw at 169-9 at Harrow Lodge Park.

"It was a good score to be fair," said Gordon.

"The wicket wasn't the greatest compared to others we've had this season.

"It was a difficult pitch and we thought 247 was a good target and if we could get a couple of their main players out early we'd get a chance.

Romford Recorder: Ronnie Saunders in batting action for Hornchurch against WansteadRonnie Saunders in batting action for Hornchurch against Wanstead (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

"Everyone chipped in, the bowling got off to a good start and we kept the pressure on.

"To have a top team like Wanstead hanging on for a draw shows what we can do on our day.

Romford Recorder: George Hankins hits four runs for Hornchurch against WansteadGeorge Hankins hits four runs for Hornchurch against Wanstead (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

"Muzza has been in good form with the bat and gloves and Adeel has been class for the last month so it was good for them to keep going."

Wanstead opener Tom Simmons fell for a first-ball duck, as James Imray held a catch off George Hankins, and Gordon bowled the dangerous Robin Das cheaply, followed by Kishen Velani for a fourth-ball duck to leave the visitors 37-3.

Romford Recorder: George Hankins (left) and Paul Murray add to the Hornchurch total against WansteadGeorge Hankins (left) and Paul Murray add to the Hornchurch total against Wanstead (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Malik and Gordon (3-61) had more success to make it 102-6, but visiting captain Joe Ellis-Grewal dug in with opener Yuvraj Odedra (66) and had support from the lower order.

The last three batters faced a combined total of 89 balls to frustrate the hosts, as Malik finished with 4-41 from his 21-over spell.

Romford Recorder: Hornchurch batter Paul Murray suffers an injury against Wanstead, as Jonathan Das looks onHornchurch batter Paul Murray suffers an injury against Wanstead, as Jonathan Das looks on (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

And the draw left Hornchurch in fifth place, 12 points behind Chelmsford in second, and 60 adrift of Wanstead ahead of this weekend's trip to the Polo Field Ground.

Gordon added: "At 60-5, we knew they bat the whole way down and it would be tough. It's where we're lacking another seamer. We need a bit of extra pace to get the tail out.

"But I couldn't ask for anything more from the boys, they were brilliant. Wanstead blocked and held out, the pitch wasn't doing much.

"Hopefully we can carry on as it's very close from second to eighth. It's a confidence boost and we need to keep going.

"Hutton have had mixed results, they're a weird team, a young side with good players.

"I've not played there since I was younger and I'm looking forward to it, it's a nice ground. Hopefully we can finish as high up the table as possible."