Urchins restore their eight point lead

Pitching In Isthmian Premier leaders Hornchurch had the chance to show their supporters- and the chasing pack- that they hadn’t been unduly affected by last Saturday’s defeat at second place Chatham Town, as they welcomed Canvey Island to Bridge Avenue for an Essex derby.

There was also some revenge on their minds, as last season the Gulls had defeated the Urchins at home and away. Given Canvey’s recent form- three defeats in a row- Hornchurch should have been confident of returning to winning ways, but the first half was goalless, and the match was still goalless on the hour mark when the visitors made their first change- a return to Bridge Avenue for Urchins legend Sam Higgins. A goal was overdue- could Higgins grab the headlines? He couldn’t, as the Urchins broke the deadlock with twenty one minutes left, Ollie Muldoon scoring his third of the season.

Twelve minutes from time it was two-nil, Femi Akinwande with his sixth Urchins goal to add to the eight he got for Hastings, and that was that. Our gap at the top is eight points once more.

Our image shows the opening of Jimmy Mac's Bar, in honour of former Urchins boss Jimmy MacFarlane- courtesy of the club.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.