Joshua Brown previews AFC Hornchurch (5th) as they travel to Thurrock (3rd) on Wednesday evening in the semi-final play-off match for a place in the Ryman Division One North final. Kick off 7:45pm.
Unbeaten in their last six, The Urchins will be looking to carry on their impressive form against a Thurrock side which they lost 2-1 in the same fixture back in December.
Thurrock’s current form is not as good as Hornchurchs’ but is still impressive with just two defeats in the last seven. With both teams having full strength squads for the fixture it’s set to be an action packed game.
The Fleet have been in this situation before, as they lost out in last year’s Ryman North Playoff final.
Having been in three playoff campaigns in the last five years – losing in the final twice of the Ryman Premier final and promotion back in 2011/12 season – Hornchurch are the more experienced side and will be hoping that gives them the advantage.
Players to watch
AFC Hornchurch
Striker George Purcell has been in remarkable form this season managing to notch up 39 goals in all competitions. Forming a fantastic partnership with David Knight, natural goal scorer Purcell has become a real fans favourite, as St. George has become a familiar nickname. His talent is showing as he is keeping former QPR forward Kieron St Aimie from playing his usual position, with his form unlikely to go unnoticed by the professional clubs.
Thurrock
Ross Wall has been the star man of Thurrock’s season managing an impressive 22 goals in 49 games, as well as 8 assists. The striker has been deadly in front of goal but it is his all round play that has impressed the home fans. His link up play with midfielder David Cowley, who himself has 11 goals and 16 assists, has been crucial throughout the season and the two will be looking to emulate their form to book a place in the play-off final.
Head to Head
AFC Horchurch lost 2-1 away to Thurrock back in December with midfielder Lewis Spence scoring a 90th minute winner. The return fixture in March ended goalless highlighting how similar the teams are and how exciting the match should be.
The winner of the tie could face either Harlow Town or Cray Wanderers in the Play-off final on Saturday 30th April.