Ryan Walmsley reports on the recent performances of a new signing…
Billy Roast has switched the blue and white of Colchester United for the red and white of AFC Hornchurch in midweek and his dominant display helped the Urchins to just their second home point of the season.
A man-of-the-match performance from the debutant earned a credible 1-1 draw against local rivals East Thurrock United – but the Urchins still remain in the Ryman Premier relegation zone.
The centre-half has been a constant in the Colchester U21s defence throughout their campaign and already has experience at this level after a loan spell last season with fellow strugglers Bury Town.
Hornchurch manager Jim MacFarlane will be hoping that Roast’s dominance at the back will shore up a leaky defence and be the catalyst to improve the Urchins’ home form, after enduring a torrid start to the season after losing eight of their first nine.
Since then, the away form has improved, but the wait still goes on for a victory at Hornchurch Stadium. The Urchins have picked up just two points from seven home games, a far cry from the achievements of last season which saw them narrowly miss out on promotion after defeat to Lowestoft in the play-off final.
With the defence improved, MacFarlane may now look to bolster a depleted front line which has seen a profligate Hornchurch attack score a meagre 16 goals in 20 matches.
And with Roast marshalling the backline, the Urchins will be hoping that the young defender will be the ailment to their play-off hangover.