Another trophy for Hornchurch- and an FA Cup Round Up

Hornchurch have now won two trophies in their last two competitive fixtures, after they defeated Warrington Rylands in the inaugural Pitching In Non League Super Cup yesterday.

It might have felt a little strange for the Urchins, who spent most of last season playing the role of underdogs, to be cast as favourites for a change. If it did, they didn't let it show- but by the same token they didn't have it all their own way against the new Pitching In Northern Premier West side, who of course qualified for this match by defeating our very own Binfield to lift the FA Vase.

Liam Nash got the only goal of the first half for the Urchins, playing at their own Bridge Avenue, but Stephen Milne equalised for the visitors on the hour and with four minutes remaining it looked like a shootout was on the cards. That man Nash had other ideas, however, putting the hosts ahead again, and two minutes later Sam Higgins made it three. The visitors still weren't done, and Joseph Coveney got one back in the last minute, but in the end it was just another day, another trophy for Hornchurch. They won't pick up a third when they kick off the Pitching In Isthmian Premier League season at Horsham next Saturday, but they must be amongst the favourites to win the title next season.

We had nine clubs in FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round action, three from the South Central Division, three from the North Division, and- you guessed it- three from the South East Division. We still have seven of those left, although three have midweek replays.

Romford are one of those due a replay. Steve Carvell have them a first half lead at Harpenden Town, but an equaliser fifteen minutes from time ensured another meeting would be necessary.

Witham Town emerged victorious from a five goal thriller against Woodford Town, coming from behind to win three-two. Woodford defeated defeating Romford and drew with Hullbridge Sports in pre-season so must have been confident, and after Luke Ige put the hosts ahead early on roared back with two of their own, and held that lead until the last eighteen minutes. Ben Search equalised from the spot, before Jack Nolde got the winner eight minutes from time.

Stansted knocked the Basildon United out of the competition at preliminary Round stage last season, but they had little chance of causing another upset as two goals in each half saw United dole out a thrashing. Fahad Nyanja got an early opener, Suiabo Balde made it two just before the break, and second half goals from Balde and Samuel Jeremiah made it four-nil after the break.

Staines Town have an almost completely new squad, and perhaps it showed as they departed the competition at home to Little Common of the Southern Combination League Premier. Barsa Mirtahmasebi got an equaliser for the Swans at half time, but Common got the only goal of the second half to win two-one.

Sevenoaks Town saw Luis Collins make a second competitive debut and score two goals, but hosts Cobham also managed two and there will be a misweek replay, but Ashford Town won't have to play in midweek after they defeated AFC Uckfield Town two-one. The Tangerines needed a last minute goal from Perry Coles to take victory, after Jack French opened the scoring almost ninety minutes earlier.

East Grinstead Town fell to home defeat against Alfold of the Southern Combination League Premier Division. Last season it was the Wasps slaying giants, this time around they were slain, two-one. Shea Bennington-Mannings got a second half equaliser for the Wasps, but they were level for only two minutes before the visitors got what proved to be their winner.

Tooting & Mitcham United live to fight another day, but it will be a midweek fight after they could only draw with Erith & Belvedere. The Terrors had to come from behind in a one-one draw, Jake Rose equalising from the spot.

Phoenix Sports got the only goal of the game as they travelled to Molesey, and it came from James Dyer seven minutes from time.

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