Written by: Ollie Heathcote
THE OPPOSITION: Hornchurch
Monday night football is back at The Focus, as a spirited second half comeback saw the Tudors leave London with all 3 points following a 2-1 victory over the Beavers in the weekend gone. Our visitors, Hornchurch travel to HP2 tonight following a firm 0-0 draw with Maidstone United at the Hornchurch Stadium
The Key Info
Founded: 1923
Nickname: The Urchins
Manager: Daryl McMahon
Stadium: Hornchurch Stadium
Capacity: 3500
The History
Hornchurch were formed in 1923 as Upminster Wanderers, spending their early years playing in the Romford League. Just 15 years later, Hornchurch ended up moving into semi-professional football, with entry into the Spartan League. Further league changes followed as they moved into the newly-formed Delphian League, spending just 7 seasons before election into the Athenian League.Election into the Isthmian League came in the 1974/75 season. After a lengthy period of struggles and off-field shocks, Hornchurch began to progress up the non-league pyramid before a 2004/05 campaign descended into chaos, as the Urchins had over 100 players represent the club throughout that season. After reforming as AFC Hornchurch, there began to be a period of stability as the Urchins progressed up the Essex Senior League and back into the Isthmian League. Their most recent success was the
victory in the FA Trophy, under Mark Stimson, before the recruitment of former Millwall player Steve Morison. This appointment proved outstanding, as Morison laid solid foundations for Hornchurch to be promoted, before his departure to Sutton United. After the departure, Daryl McMahon took control and guided the Urchins to promotion into the National League South this season.
The Gaffer - Daryl McMahon
Daryl McMahon is another key reason as to why the Urchins sit in the position that they currently find themselves in, following his recent roles at National League and Football League levels. His first taste of management came at Ebbsfleet, spending three and a half years
before his next spell at Macclesfield. His management at Dagenham & Redbridge saw McMahon become an exceptional servant, as he managed 128 games before leaving before the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. His most recent role saw McMahon at Leyton Orient,as part of Richie Wellens’ Management Team.
One to Watch - Darren McQueen
In a team that is well-organised, Darren McQueen has been the player to lead the line for the Urchins, and currently has 9 goals to his name in the National League South. In the last few games, McQueen has found his eye in for goal, scoring four goals in three games, which has helped to drive Hornchurch up the table. McQueen is no stranger to Non-League football, with vast experience at clubs, following his progression through the Tottenham Hotspur youth setup.
His first taste of non-league football came at Maldon and Tiptree, which saw him make a quick transfer to Ebbsfleet United. A spell at Sutton United was soon to follow, before moving onto Dartford, where he posted his best stats to date. Scoring 21 goals in 44 appearances, McQueen developed his game, with spells at Dagenham & Redbridge and Dulwich Hamlet to follow. He moved to the Urchins after a second spell at Ebbsfleet and has impressed in recent fixtures.
The Skipper - Ryan Scott
Ryan Scott has become a consistent starter for Hornchurch this season, as he has shown great leadership from the centre of defence. His first taste of non-league came at Billericay Town before he made the switch to East Thurrock at the beginning of the 2015/16 season. He remained an East Thurrock player until the 2019/20 season, where he developed both technically and in a leadership perspective. His next move saw Scott move to Concord Rangers, lasting just less than a year before transferring to Braintree Town. Eventually, Scott was picked up by Aveley at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, which saw him last two seasons before moving to the Urchins.
Last Time Out - Hornchurch 1-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
The last encounter between the two teams saw Hornchurch continue their fine form at home,
with a 1-0 victory over the Tudors. The game’s only goal came courtesy of former Tudor Liam Nash, who gambled on a teasing delivery into the box. His effort forced King into spilling the ball, leaving the striker to tap the ball into an empty net. Whilst the Tudors continued to push, a late
challenge saw Teddy Howe receive a second yellowcard, which helped the hosts to see out the
game.
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