By Bailey Howard
Hornchurch booked their place in the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon, overcoming a determined Brentwood Town side 4–2 on penalties after a hard-fought 0–0 draw at The Brentwood Centre.
It was a tough disciplined and patient display from the National League South leaders, crowned by the heroics of goalkeeper Arthur Nasta, whose decisive stop in the shootout ensured the Urchins’ safe passage.
Following Monday’s first defeat in the league away to Chelmsford City, Daryl McMahon made four changes to the line up with Josh Hare returning to the starting eleven, with Nathan Betram-Cooper, Gile Phillips and forward Charlie Ruff entering the stage.
The game got underway at 3:03pm, due to the three up campaign that were supporting by the National League, and the Urchins started brightly, asserting themselves early with a flurry of chances inside the opening ten minutes. Charlie Ruff was first to try his luck, firing over from a central position, before Josh Rees followed with another effort that cleared the bar. Hornchurch’s early pressure set the tone, forcing Brentwood onto the back foot despite their energetic response.
Brentwood fashioned chances of their own, the most notable coming when Kymani Thomas surged down the right and saw his deflected strike gathered comfortably by Nasta. The Hornchurch goalkeeper remained alert moments later, reacting sharply to flick away a close-range attempt from Alejandro Machado after Ade Cole’s in-swinging free-kick caused trouble at the far post.
As the half progressed, the Urchins continued to threaten. A dangerous floated cross from Makai Welch found Henry Hearn, who was denied from close range before Brentwood countered quickly, resulting in Benas Vaivada drilling a half-volley narrowly wide. Despite the hosts’ pressure, Hornchurch held firm and carried their composure into the break.
Half-Time – Brentwood Town 0–0 Hornchurch
The Urchins returned for the second half with renewed intent, yet Brentwood carved out the first big chance as Thomas once again forced Nasta into a superb fingertip save.
Hornchurch believed they had found the breakthrough shortly before the hour mark when Henry Hearn tapped home after a rebound, but the assistant referee’s flag cut celebrations short.
Brentwood continued to probe, with Thomas curling an effort that grazed the crossbar, but as the match entered its final stages, Hornchurch’s superior experience began to show. Frankie Edwards had a great chance from a Josh Hare corner but was headed wide, McQueen also went close but dragged his effort off target and in stoppage time, Tom Wraight then forced a great save from Melvin Minter as the pressure mounted late on.
McMahon’s men crafted a series of half-chances and wrestled control of the rhythm, yet Brentwood’s back line stood firm, ensuring the tie would be settled from the penalty spot.
From twelve yards, the Urchins were ice-cool. Myles Weston, Josh Hare, Tom Wraight and Angelo Balanta all converted confidently to pile pressure on the hosts. Brentwood’s Matt Cripps struck the post with his effort, leaving the decisive moment to Arthur Nasta as the Hornchurch keeper delivered emphatically, reading Danny Ogunleye’s strike and athletically tipping it over the bar to spark jubilant Urchins celebrations behind the goal up the other end of the stadium.
A professional and composed Hornchurch performance sees the National League South leaders advance, with Arthur Nasta the undeniable hero on a cold Trophy afternoon in Essex.
The Urchins march on into the third round of the competition and next up is Essex Senior Cup Fourth Round action at the Bridge on Tuesday night Vs Grays Athletic.
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Full-Time – Brentwood Town 0–0 Hornchurch, Hornchurch win 4–2 on penalties.
Isuzu FA Trophy Second Round
Saturday 15th November 2025 | The Brentwood Community Centre
Attendance: 1,305
