New Year’s Day brings a trip through the Dartford Tunnel for the relatively short journey to Hornchurch.

Over the festive period, so far, both teams have only gathered a single point from their two games with Hornchuch losing their pre-Christmas home game to Chippenham Town and then collecting a point from their Boxing Day visit to Aveley with a second half equaliser from Henry Hearn .

Meanwhile, the Angels’ hard-earned point at Boreham Wood was followed by the defeat to neighbours Maidstone United.

Jay Saunders updated the injured players status and looked forward to the Essex visit: “We will have to wait and see. Mo Dabre’s an ankle injury and Sean Shields, ankle and groin. Liam Vincent was a dead leg, after he scored he collided with the goalkeeper, so I’m sure he will be fine. I know Daryl (McMahon) well, they’ve got good players, good experience, it will be a good test for us. It’s never an easy place, not one of the nicest grounds to go too, but now we have to prepare right and get the boys’ spirits up.”

Hornchurch are settling into National League South life comfortably after winning the Isthmian League Premier by a country mile last season accumulating 100 points along the way. They had spent 11 seasons in the Isthmian having been relegated after a single season in Conference South in 2012/13. They presently sit in 13th place, three points and three places behind the Angels. Their home form is good having only been beaten three times in 14 league games at The Stadium with Eastbourne Borough, Chelmsford City and the aforementioned Chippenham successful. 

Former Ebbsfleet boss McMahon is the man in charge of Hornchurch, assisted by ex-Charlton boss Steve Gritt, and there is one ex Angel in their line up, striker Ade Yusuff who had a loan spell at Longmead from Dulwich Hamlet in 2019, making six appearances, scoring twice. Other names in their squad include Darren McQueen who played under McMahon at Ebbsfleet and Sean Scannell who played more than 300 games in the Championship for Crystal Palace and Huddersfield and is the younger brother of former Angels player Damian Scannell. Their top scorer is ex-Gillingham striker Liam Nash with seven league goals.

We last visited Hornchurch in 2018 for an Isthmian League Premier fixture that was won by 2-0 with a brace from Alex Read, who scored from the spot in the last minute of the first half and sealed the points in the final minute of the game. We have played them twice since. The return game that season was a 1-0 Angels win, secured through a late Tom Derry winner, and in the Covid season of 2020/21, Hornchurch won at Longmead in the FA Trophy on their way to winning the whole competition.

Those that will be making their first visit to The Stadium will find an athletics stadium, home of Havering Athletics Club. The six lane running track doesn’t lend itself to the best of viewing for football matches with the behind the goal areas made particularly difficult by the bends. That being said there are 800 seats on both sides of the pitch with covered terracing to the side of the seating. After entering through the turnstiles there is a spacious bar with some elevated decking that does offer a decent vantage point but you are still a long way from the pitch. Catering facilities are also housed in this area.

Admission prices to the game are: Adults £15, Concessions £10 and U18s £5 and can be purchased in advance HERE until 12 noon on the day of the match or alternatively cash or card accepted on the turnstiles.

There is parking at the stadium and when this is full there is on-street parking available with due consideration given to the residents.

Train travellers should either alight at Upminster via the Fenchurch Street to Southend line which leaves a 15 minute walk or via the tube on the District Line alighting at Upminster Bridge for a five minute walk.

Happy New Year and enjoy the game!