By Bailey Howard
Hornchurch’s remarkable unbeaten league run continued on Saturday afternoon as the league leaders overcame a tough Tonbridge Angels side 1–0 at the Yeoman’s Community Stadium to make it nineteen games unbeaten in the league and extend their six-point lead at the top of the National League South table.
It was another performance built on resilience, organisation, and a touch of class in the final third, with Henry Hearn’s smart second-half finish proving decisive in a hard-fought encounter in Kent.
Following Tuesday Night’s sluggish 1-1 draw at home to Chesham United, manager Daryl McMahon made two changes to his starting line-up with Henry Sandat and Nathan Bertram-Cooper returning to the starting eleven as Darren McQueen and George Wind were dropped to the bench.
Before kick-off, both sets of players, staff and fans paid tribute respectfully to the fallen with the last post being played. The game got underway and Hornchurch began brightly, full of confidence from their unbeaten run, and nearly made the perfect start when Henry Hearn connected with a teasing cross from former Angel Charlie Pegrum and was only to fire wide from a promising position.
The hosts, however, were far from overawed and grew into the contest. Kyle Smith’s low cross almost found Bunmi Babajide in the six-yard box, while moments later, Smith’s free-kick clipped the top of the net, drawing cheers from the home crowd.
At the other end, the Urchins posed a threat from set pieces. Frankie Edwards and Tom Wraight both went close, while Makai Welch’s close low effort was saved low by Jack West-Astuti and Pegrum tried his luck from distance but saw his effort drift over the bar.
The closing stages of the half saw Hornchurch edge back on top, with Hearn twice threatening, first with an ambitious overhead kick that went narrowly wide and then forcing a good save from West-Astuti.
Hornchurch defender Nathan Bertram-Cooper was shown a yellow card five minutes before the break for a late challenge, but the resulting free-kick from Smith flew just over.
There was nothing between the sides as the whistle sounded for half-time, with both defences holding firm in an even and competitive opening 45 minutes.
Half-Time – Tonbridge Angels 0–0 Hornchurch
The second half started, and the Urchins came out with renewed intent after the restart as Angelo Balanta sent a low drive just past the far post on forty-eight minutes before Frankie Edwards headed over from a long throw from Harry Gibbs shortly after.
Manager Daryl McMahon made the first change of the afternoon, introducing Charlie Ruff for Henry Sandat, and the substitute made an instant impact as after strong penalty appeals were waved away, Hornchurch finally found their breakthrough on sixty-three minutes. Ruff’s deep cross from the right caught the home defence flat-footed, and in from forward Henry Hearn showed great composure to lift the ball delicately over the advancing West-Astuti, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling Urchins, 1-0 Hornchurch.
Tonbridge responded by bringing on fresh legs in attack and went close through Alfie Pavey, whose header from Sean Shields’ cross sailed just over the bar.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Hornchurch’s back line stood firm, and as the clock ticked down, McMahon introduced Darren McQueen, George Wind, and Charlie Adams for Angelo Balanta, Makai Welch, and Henry Hearn to see the game out.
The Urchins defended deep and with real discipline, repelling everything Tonbridge threw their way, and when the final whistle blew, it confirmed yet another impressive three points on the road, a result that keeps Hornchurch unbeaten in nineteen league games and firmly at the National League South summit.
Another vital win for the Urchins, who once again showed a performance full of determination, patience, and quality in key moments and next up, Hornchurch make the trip down the A12 on Monday night to face Chelmsford City, as they look to make it twenty games unbeaten and continue their incredible run at the top of the table.
Full-Time – Tonbridge 0-1 Hornchurch FC
