TT REVIEW

Tom Beddows – @BeddowsTom

Tom reports back from Hornchurch

HORNCHURCH FC 1-2 TORQUAY UNITED – 31.01.2026

SUMMARY

A superb 3 points in the outer reaches of London for the second consecutive weekend.

Two changes to United’s eleven, with Young back from his suspension and Sundire making his first start since the August bank holiday.

The game started quickly with two early chances for United in the first 5/6 minutes, but it was Hornchurch’s Balanta who scored first with a fine strike from outside the box sailing past James Hamon.

United continued with the pressure, with both Morgan and Wilson coming close but unable to find the back of the net.

The breakthrough needed didn’t come before half time and United headed into the break a goal down.

The halftime sub saw Morgan replaced by Cooke, a change that proved pivotal.

With United coming out all fired up and ready to pounce, which is exactly what Young did on the 50th minute mark, after a mistake at the back for Hornchurch allowed him to run through one on one with the keeper and slot the ball home to secure the equaliser, sending the Yellow Army dancing into the samba rhythm.

It was all United this half, with Hornchurch rarely posing a threat in the game, and James Hamon remaining untroubled.

With the continued United pressure, a fine ball from SBLE found Young allowing him to once again do what he does, cutting in from the right and sending the ball into the top corner. Sublime.

The last twenty minutes felt like an eternity, but without ever feeling like the game wasn’t ours. With some late Hornchurch pressure, we defended well and ensured we joined the District line with the 3 points!

A statement win. One to capitalise on this week with two games against Dover and Dorking. (Weather permitting).

PLAYER RATINGS

1. HAMON – 7

3. FOULSTON – 8

18. WORTHINGTON – 7

4. DYER – 8

5. DREYER – 8

20. HAYFIELD – 7

6. SUNDIRE – 8

24. LO-EVERTON – 7

11. MORGAN – 6

8. YOUNG – 9

23. WILSON – 7

Subs

9. COOKE – 8

26. THOMAS – N/A

10. JAY – N/A

16. PALMER – N/A

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – JORDAN YOUNG

Our top scorer added further to his tally with two brilliant efforts. As the boss says; “Youngy does what Youngy does”.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sundire – his first full 90 minutes since picking up his injury, and what an impact he’s made on his return. Enthusiastic, unafraid. I hope he doesn’t push his limits too soon as he is exactly what we need for the remainder of the season.

TACTICS

THE OPPOSITION

Hornchurch are a good side, physical, fast and with Balanta on the pitch they will always be a challenge to overcome.

Thankfully, we did just that and made sure they weren’t in it in the second half.

THE OFFICIALS

Typical for the NLS – substandard. Kicking off 3 minutes late for no real reason, allowing time wasting from the off and missing the elbow that hit Dyer straight in the face. We hope to see better.