Jordan Parson reports on the in-form Ryman North side who continue their push to return to the Ryman League Premier Division…
Hat-Trick hero George Purcell extended AFC Hornchurch’s unbeaten run to six, with a 4-1 home victory over Haringey Borough to slot into second spot in the Ryman Division One North.
Purcell scored two in the first half, with Abs Thompson scoring just after the halftime restart. Haringey managed a consolation goal courtesy of Rakim Richards before Purcell claimed the match ball for his fourth hat-trick this season.
Hornchurch almost took the lead in the opening minute when Tobi Joseph smashed the post after a whipped in corner by Joey May. George Purcell was the quickest to follow up but he could only send his shot narrowly wide.
Moments later, Nathan Cooper went on a fantastic 50 yards run but could only win his team a corner. May then played it short to Purcell on the edge of the area to shoot on the half volley into the top corner to put ‘The Urchins’ in front.
Strong position
Haringey were beginning to get into the match 15 minutes in, after Anthony McDonald’s free kick sailed over the wall and forced a top drawer save from Hornchurch keeper Mott – to tip it around the post.
Cooper for the hosts’ won the ball deep inside the Hornchurch half, which he sent a pin point pass cross field to find Purcell who was tripped as he ran through on goal – which gave the referee no option but to award a penalty. Purcell dispatched from the spot to double Hornchurch’s advantage.
On the stroke of half time, McDonald linked up with Dean Fenton, who took a shot towards the Hornchurch goal, only to be denied by the heroics of Mott.
Hornchurch started strongly in the second half, Harris made another excellent save from Purcell’s free kick.
Thompson grabbed ‘The Urchins’ third, as he was allowed to run down the wing and cut back for a curled effort which beat Harris at full stretch.
Jerome Martelli came on at the hour mark to be awarded possibly the fastest yellow card in the Ryman League, after being on the field for just ten seconds he was booked for simulation.
The away side clawed a goal back, when Richard’s wind assisted looping header caught out Mott and dropped kindly into the back of the net – similar to the Romford goal which gripped social media the week before.
Purcell made it four and his 25 goal of the season in all competitions, as the game entered the final five minutes, when he ran past keeper Harris and tucked the ball into the net from a tight angle.
Hornchurch now move into second and have a tough matchup away to local promotion pushers Thurrock.
Team Line Up
Hornchurch FC – Mott – Thompson – Styles © – May – Cooper – Goodacre – Joseph – Dove (Collis 88) – Poku (Knight 64) – Purcell – Luke (Chouman 70)
Subs – McKenzie – Coyne
Haringey Borough – Harris – Richards – Fenton – Tabiri – Scott – Walker © – Aristidou – Fashanu (Akole 79) – Allan – Kamara – McDonald (Martelli 60)
Subs – Gudgeon – Benjamin – Bozkurt
Scorers – Purcell 10 (H) – Purcell 26p (H) – Thompson 54 (H) – Richards 63 (HB) – Purcell 74 (Y)
Attendance 160