Report

By Bailey Howard

Hornchurch booked their place in the fourth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon with an impressive 4–1 victory over Dover Athletic at Crabble, producing a composed and clinical display to see off their fellow Enterprise National League South opponents.

Following midweek Essex Senior Cup action at Hashtag United, Daryl McMahon shuffled his pack, restoring the majority of his regular starters while keeping new signing Junior Morias leading the line. The Urchins looked sharp from the outset and set the early tempo in an entertaining cup tie.

The game got underway and Hornchurch were the first to threaten on four minutes, when Aaron Henry’s free-kick was glanced goalwards by Angelo Balanta, though the header drifted wide. 

Dover responded quickly, with Francis Mampolo forcing Arthur Nasta into the first save of the afternoon two minutes later. Chances followed at both ends in an open opening spell, Darren McQueen seeing a deflected effort turned behind before Giles Phillips’ header from the resulting corner also missed the target.

The breakthrough arrived on twenty-five minutes and it was Hornchurch to break the deadlock. Henry’s dangerous free-kick was flicked across goal by Nathan Bertram-Cooper, allowing Harry Gibbs to side-foot home from close range at the far post past Jordan Gillmore to give the Urchins a deserved lead, 1-0 Hornchurch. 

Hornchurch continued to apply pressure, while Dover struggled to gain a foothold as the half wore on and just before the interval, the visitors doubled their advantage. Another Henry corner caused chaos in the Dover box and defender Luke Baptiste could only glance the ball beyond Gillmore, handing Hornchurch a 2–0 lead heading into the break.

Half-Time – Dover Athletic 0–2 Hornchurch

The second half got underway and saw Dover attempt to rally early one, with a brief spell of pressure leading to a scramble in the Hornchurch area, but Nasta remained assured, gathering comfortably. 

The Urchins soon reasserted their control, with Balanta twice going close just after the hour mark, first curling an effort that was tipped wide and then steering the rebound narrowly off target.

McMahon introduced Myles Weston on seventy-three minutes, and the substitution paid dividends almost immediately. 

Three minutes later, Urchins were heading to seal their spot in the hat as Morias slipped Balanta through on goal and the forward made no mistake, firing confidently past Gillmore, 3-0 Hornchurch. 

Dover briefly threatened a comeback, when George Wilkinson struck past Nasta on the eighty-first minute, but any hope of a revival was quickly extinguished. 

With five minutes remaining, substitute Henry Sandat exchanged passes with Josh Rees before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner past Gillmore to restore Hornchurch’s three-goal cushion and seal the tie in style, 4-1 Hornchurch. 

Seven minutes of added time passed without further incident, as the Urchins saw the game out professionally to book their place in the hat for the next round.

A dominant and disciplined cup performance from Hornchurch, blending control with moments of real quality, ensures their FA Trophy journey continues into the fourth round.

Next up for McMahon’s side is a return to National League South action at home, with Enfield Town visiting Bridge Avenue in the final fixture before Christmas.

Full-Time – Dover Athletic 1–4 Hornchurch
Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round

Saturday 13th December 2025, Crabble Stadium

Attendance: 392

Stats