TT PREVIEW

Bailey discusses the Urchins

BUILDING UP TO THE GAME

You could name every emotion possible and that is exactly how I’m feeling right now.

I’m incredibly excited for the day because, before the season started, nobody would have predicted we’d be in this position. This team has been absolutely fantastic all year and fully deserves this opportunity to potentially play in the National League next season.

Everyone connected with the football club deserves this moment from the board, staff and volunteers, to the manager, players and, most importantly, the supporters as we’ve all been through everything together and this club is continuing to rise through the football pyramid. If you hadn’t already known, this is already the highest level Hornchurch have ever reached in football history, which makes the occasion even more special for ourselves and whatever happens on Saturday, we’ll cherish this day for the rest of our lives.

RECENT FORM

We’ve been excellent and very consistent over recent weeks, playing with huge confidence and belief. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch.

The players will certainly be up for this game and will fight for every ball. The team has shown great character all season and now has the chance to become history makers for this football club.

HIGHLIGHTS

That’s a brilliant question and, as a Hornchurch supporter, I actually have three highlights from this season.

Firstly, it has to be our sensational 2–1 win away at your place earlier in the season, with goals from Angelo Balanta and Henry Hearn. It was an incredible day out. Most of our fans travelled down together on the train from Paddington at 9am, singing all the way and making a fantastic occasion of it. To beat a full-time professional side like yourselves on your own ground was something really special.

Secondly, doing the league double over our local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge was unforgettable. Both occasions were brilliant and, in many ways, record-breaking moments in Hornchurch history.

Thirdly, our nineteen-game unbeaten league run stretching from the end of last season into this campaign was incredible. It finally came to an end on 10th November 2025 away at Chelmsford, but for a part-time side to achieve that was outstanding and everyone played their part. It’s something I’m very proud to have witnessed and been associated with.

KEY PLAYERS

We’re a very exciting and difficult team to play against because we’ve got quality throughout the squad. Arthur Nasta has been excellent in goal, Harry Gibbs has been a key figure in defence, while Tom Wraight and the experienced Josh Rees have been hugely important in midfield. Up front, Dominic Poleon brings quality and experience in attack, but our standout player and top goalscorer has to be the “Colombian King”, Angelo Balanta. He’s been outstanding this season and can change a game in a moment.

THE MANAGER

Daryl McMahon has been outstanding as Hornchurch manager and the work he has done over the years speaks for itself. He’s been in this position before with Ebbsfleet, and that experience could prove very important on the day.

His leadership, commitment and football knowledge have helped drive the club forward and now we are on the verge of potentially making history, which is a true reflection of his hard work and vision.

Around the squad, Daryl brings huge experience, quality and a winning mentality that raises standards every single day. On a personal level, he’s someone who always speaks honestly, demands the best and has an unwavering desire to win games in the right way and with his passion, honesty and drive sets the tone for everyone involved at the club. In Daryl we trust.

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

I think the line-up will probably be very similar to last weekend’s team, although there could be one or two changes, which is fairly normal for us.

Whatever side Daryl puts out, it will be a team that gives absolutely everything and one that is always enjoyable to watch.

PRE-MATCH

There are plenty of places around the area for supporters before the game. From what I understand, away fans won’t be able to access the clubhouse, so the main spot will probably be The Windmill, which is opposite and close to the away entrance.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

If the club were promoted to the National League, it would honestly be a dream come true, not just for the football club, but personally for me as well. I have been supporting this club for years and potentially travelling to places across the country up north for the first time with this football club with my close friends would be an unbelievable experience and exactly what football is all about.

On a wider scale, yes, I absolutely believe the club could cope with the step up. Everyone behind the scenes would work incredibly hard over the summer to ensure everything is in place both on and off the pitch and even if we only experienced it for one season, it would still be a moment we’d treasure forever because simply reaching that level would make history for Hornchurch Football Club.

However, we’ve proved people wrong for years now, so there’s no reason why we couldn’t compete in the league above and give it our very best shot.

EXPECTATIONS

I’m expecting a very tough game. The atmosphere will be fantastic from both sets of supporters and I’m certain the Urchins players will be fully up for the occasion. May the best team win.

We certainly won’t be the favourites as we are definitely the underdogs, but that suits us perfectly. There’s no real pressure on us because many people didn’t even expect us to be in this position and we’ll go into the game enjoying the occasion and looking to make it a truly memorable day.

PREDICTION

I genuinely can’t call it because I can honestly see the game going either way.

Whatever happens, we’ll still be immensely proud of the players because this season has already been a huge success for the football club. If we were to get promoted, it would mean absolutely everything to me. I’ve supported this club since I was 12 years old and now I’m 21, so I’ve experienced all the highs and lows that come with football and this would undoubtedly be one of the greatest moments of all time and the best fairytale story being written.

I’d like to wish Torquay supporters safe travels down and back home, and also wish the club the very best for the game and for next season, whichever league you are in, and you’ll certainly receive a warm welcome from us all.

And finally, to Hornchurch, go and make history. You’ve made us all believe that dreams can come true and I’m sure that every single supporter is so proud of what you’ve achieved this season and to the superb red and white army reading this, go and sing loud and proud like you have all season long, every tackle, every save, every opportunity, make some noise and make it feel uncomfortable as it certainly will be a day like no other, COME ON U CHINSSSS!