TT PREVIEW

Bailey discusses the Urchins

ABOUT ME

Hello there, so my name is Bailey Howard and I’m twenty years old, very football crazy, a football journalist, plus a current third year university student at UCFB doing sports Business and Sports Broadcasting degree, aiming to reach the highest stage in the footballing industry.

My length of time currently supporting Hornchurch has been seven and a half years, my eighth season at the moment being an Urchin. In 2018, my uncle took me to my first game between Hornchurch and Arsenal u21s in a pre-season friendly at Bridge Avenue and ever since that moment, I become a Hornchurch fan. I used to go with my uncle, until 2022 as he decided not to go to games anymore and then he sadly passed away in 2023.

Since he gave up, I just kept on going to the home games, which then made me create a new load of friends. Since making new friends it has made me start going to the away games, which started three years ago and ever since then, I have followed Hornchurch home and away with all my fellow Urchins, whilst making more good friends as we are currently enjoying our second season of life back where we belong, the National League South, in and around the title/play off contention at the top of the league.

RECENT FORM

Our recent form has been very positive lately as our boys definitely put a decent shift week in week out, little bit inconsistent with results, but would say been pleasing as we do keep on performing when it matters most and getting the results.

HIGHLIGHTS

Such a brilliant question, I have three amazing highlights, whilst being a Hornchurch fan this season!

Firstly, it has to be our sensational 2–1 win at your place away from home this season from Angelo Balanta and Henry Hearn. It was a great day out, majority of our fans went down on the train at 9am from Paddington together, singing together and making a great day out of it. To beat a full time professional team like yourselves that was incredible on your own pitch.

Secondly, it has to be our amazing 3-2 win away from home to our local rivals Dagenham and Redbridge on Boxing Day as we won it in stoppage time at the end through ex Dagger Josh Rees and we took 1,100 fans, who were superb from start to finish.

Thirdly, it has to be our nineteen unbeaten league run from the end of last season into this season, the 10th November 2025 at Chelmsford, for a part time team to do that was incredible and everyone played a part, which I was proud to be associated with!

TITLE CHANCES

The summer we had this season was sensational of the talent that we brought in for just a part time team with the likes of Josh Rees, Josh Hare, Henry Hearn, Charlie Pegrum, Arthur Nasta… the list continues. All these players that have joined were playing leagues above, so to improve our squad with the talent we have now is unbelievable!

I will still say it, it’s all about taking it game by game, we’ve had such a fantastic season this season once again, at the moment higher than last year, but we’re sitting in the play off/title contention and cannot afford to slip up, but we are all enjoying the ride, so whatever happens, we have had such an amazing season together.

I will say the hopes and expectations of this year now is to just finish in the top seven and aim to win the play offs. I cannot see us winning the league, but if results keep on going the way they are and we keep on winning, plus bringing the passion and the positive belief of sense, then why can’t we go on to win it this season. I think we have such a good shot too, so why can’t we!

KEY PLAYERS

We are an exciting and tricky team to beat as we have decent players in all of our areas for example Arthur Nasta in goal, Harry Gibbs in our defence, Tom Wraight and experienced Josh Rees in our midfield and then striker Henry Hearn in the attack, but our star player is our Colombian king Angelo Balanta. He has already scored twelve goals this season and is reliable to be on the scoresheet.

THE MANAGER

Daryl McMahon has been outstanding in his role as Hornchurch manager, and the job he has done over the years speaks for itself. His leadership, commitment, and footballing knowledge have helped us drive forward as a club, and now has the team placed at the top of the league, which is a true reflection of his hard work and vision.

Around the squad, Daryl is immense, bringing experience, ability, and a winning mentality that raises standards every single day. On a personal level, he is someone I know that always speaks the truth, demands the best, and shares an unwavering desire to win every game in the right way.

His honesty, passion, and drive set the tone for everyone involved so, In Daryl we trust!

BEST OPPOSITION

I think it has to be Worthing as they dominated us on the pitch at their place and battered us 5-0, but we were down to 10 men.

If it has to be eleven against eleven, I would have to say Enfield as they gave us a great game at our place and knew what we was trying to do, plus they are fighting for their survival status, which is expected when coming to a top team in the league.

PRE-MATCH

Best place to go for pre-match food is the chippy or got Marley’s in town if got time to eat, but have got other options in the area, then for drinks would be The Railway at Hornchurch station or The Windmill, that is right opposite the Co-op and your away end section, I’m always in both pubs, so that’s why I recommend them!

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

I would totally recommend our programme this weekend, it’s one of the best in the league I say since I’ve travelled around the NLS Grounds, but it does sound a little bit biased that as I do programme work, but I am being serious.

Please grab a programme this weekend, it’s £3, I’ve put lots of hard work into this one as see this fixture as a big opportunity to give my career a push and aswell a lot of people coming, so want to impress and show off my best football journalism.

In the programme, I produce content around our players, get to know them and do a fan Q/A… then an interview with one….. then aswell I do League previews and reviews, our youth teams and all the clubs match reports, so stay posted after the game to see that!!!

PREDICTION

Tough one to call this one. Two great teams asking for promotion via automatics or play offs. I’d say 1-1, but I am always positive and I will never predict my team to lose, so I will say 2-1 Hornchurch win,
URCHINS!

I wish Torquay the very best of travels down and back home, plus good luck for the fixture and for the rest of the season, we will welcome you all in good arms.

I wish my team Hornchurch all the absolute best for the game ahead and just a message for the Urchins fans if reading, please sing loud and proud, U Chinssssss!