Hornchurch FC, who have been slightly in form but having a bumpy ride lately, sit currently top of the Isthmian League Premier Divison after a managerial change and an injury list crisis. But do the Urchins still have a strong chance of winning the league and get the jackpot prize!, the National League South after these problems ?
At the beginning in January, Steve Morison and Hornchurch were in a great place to achieve their aim until a shock departure announced just 20 minutes after their first home game of the new year in a 1-1 draw against Horsham in the Hornchurch clubhouse. Steve Morison has departed for League Two relegation strugglers Sutton United, who recently have made signings, improved performances and picking up points since the appointment. He departed the Urchins on good terms by leaving the club in a strong position and only but still whilst not under Morro, lost one game so far in the season!
When Steve Morison left, the chairman Alex Sharp said “I’m disappointed to confirm that Steve will be leaving us after 6 months being in charge, following probably the most impressive first half's of a season we have ever seen! Steve has brought a level of professionalism to the club that has lifted us from the disappointment of last season’s play off final defeat and whilst I am sad to see Steve leave from the club’s perspective, I am delighted that he has got an exciting opportunity to return to the Football League so quickly and feel proud that Hornchurch has provided the platform for that return. Steve has been fantastic for the club and the foundation he has put in place sees us top of the league with games in hand and a fantastic goal difference and we will do our best now to close out the season as we have started off".
Steve Morison in charge of Sutton United since departing Hornchurch FC.
Straight away, the search began!, the league leaders started looking at their options of appointing a manager, but were in no rush as they placed Urchins legend and current midfielder Lewwis Spence and experienced manger previously at the club over the years, who is the current Vice Chairman at the club, Colin Mcbride as both interim managers for the time being until a permanent manger is found.
Since that decision was made, the fans was exited to see an Urchins legend in charge with some help from someone with experience in the Hornchurch FC dugout until further notice. Lewwis Spence and Colin Mcbride started their roles and have had a tricky four games, all being away games.
The first game for them being in charge was mid-table Carshalton away from home and it was the worst start possible - with a list of injuries and no manger, the Urchins was 2-0 down after 60 minutes. The tactics was changed and the Hornchurch away following in huge numbers once again was singing loud and proud to help the team and it certainly delivered, from being 2-0 down to an eighty-ninth minute equaliser to make it 2-2 to salvage a point.
Hornchurch in action at Carshalton, which ended 2-2.
Secondly, the Urchins travelled to title chasers, play off contenders and local Essex rivals Billericay Town. Once again in their numbers! Hornchurch took the lead through an own goal within the opening 10 minutes, then tried to get a second but Billericay dominated the first half and got a penalty, which was saved by Urchins back up goalkeeper, Dion Curtis Henry, due to an injury to number one goal keeper Joe Wright. Second half was so tight but Billericay got another penalty and scored to make it 1-1 near the end and it finished 1-1. Certainly a good point for the Urchins as it's a tough place to go on the road for many teams in the league.
Hornchurch FC supporters on their travels once again, loud and proud as always, hoping for one aim !
Thirdly, another away game, play off contenders Enfield Town, another tough side but who are recently dropping down the table, due to recent results. The Urchins received a penalty by a handball near the end of the first half and Femi Akinwande stepped up and scored to take Hornchurch 1-0 up into the break. Second half, Enfield received a penalty and scored to equalise the game, 1-1. Then, five minutes later, Hornchurch hit Enfield on the break and Sean Scannell, one on one with the keeper, slotted the ball into the net, 2-1 to the Urchins. Hornchurch's defence stayed solid until the final whistle and the away end cheered with happiness after winning a crucial game!
Hornchurch fans celebrating the Urchins penalty at Enfield with the players.
Lastly, on Tuesday night, Hornchurch headed to the south coast to face, fighting to safety, Folkestone Invicta. It's been a tricky place for the Urchins to visit over the years, but did win last year. The Urchins dominated majority of the game and ended up winning 2-0 with one goal in either half from Joe Christou and Femi Akinwande. Folkestone did go down to 10 men in the second half, which made it easier for the Urchins.
Captain Ryan Scott and Goalscorer Femi Akinwande celebrating the second goal.
Hornchurch currently sit top, due to recent results in the past week, Hornchurch are 9 points clear of 2nd place Chatham and 10 points clear of 3rd place Billericay, but the Urchins and chasers Billericay have a game in hand on Chatham.
On Monday night though, the Urchins announced that Daryl McMahon will be the new manager in charge to replace Steve Morison. Daryl McMahon has Football and National League experience, which is amazing at Isthmian League level as he was the ex Macclesfield, Ebbsfleet and local rivals, Dagenham and Redbridge manger, where he did great things at all three clubs, but was early departed by them all. He also was a development and set piece specialist coach at League One, Leyton Orient before the season started but left in December.
Hornchurch Chairman Alex Sharp said “ it was important that we took our time in our search for a new manager. We were incredibly impressed with the Managers who applied for the position and it’s fair to say that any of the candidates we interviewed could have done a job for us, but Daryl stood out, his impressive experience and knowledge of the National League set up was a big factor in our decision, his philosophy on training and style of play and his desire to win and secure promotion at the earliest opportunity was key for us. Daryl wanted to ensure our ambition met his own and that our desire for progress didn’t stop at promotion to the National League South and we think it is an appointment that will excite the fans and deliver long term success on and off the pitch".
New Manager, Daryl McMahon said "I am delighted to be joining this club at a very exciting time. It was great to sit down with Alex and the rest of the board to discuss the exciting and ambitious plans for the football club. The team have had an excellent season so far and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the current staff and players in trying to win promotion to the National League South".
Hornchurch have been super good so far this season under Steve Morison and the interims, so Daryl McMahon probably hopes that he can keep the same run thats been happening all season long so far into the next final few months of a crucial and define season for the Urchins as the aim is promotion and the title.
He also probably hopes that he can get his key player back hopefully in time for the next few crucial fixtures like starboy and top goalscorer this season for Hornchurch Liam Nash and Creative midfielder Tom Wraight, but the Urchins have look good in the past few fixtures under interim Lewwis Spence and Colin Mcbride with solid centre back and club captain Ryan Scott, high quality winger Sean Scannell and finisher Femi Akinwande.
Daryl McMahon, the new manager at Hornchurch hoping to achieve his and their aim.
Daryl McMahon had been spotted at a few Hornchurch FC games since the departure of Steve Morsion and whilst the club have been under interim management, so he's definitely sure of what to expect from the team like the performances.
The next fixture and the opener for new manager Daryl McMahon is at Bridge Avenue, the home of the Urchins, under the home crowd against relegation strugglers, 18th Place, Cheshunt at 3pm.
Hornchurch FC are certainly heading towards an exciting end to the season and the title, if they stay in the current form that they've been over the first half of the season, but now its Daryl McMahons turn! Will it be the same as what the Urchins have been like all season and is he the right man for the job to take high flying Urchins to the title ? Hornchurch FC supporters and everyone will all find out soon.
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