MATCH PREVIEW: Hornchurch vs Chippenham Town | National League South | Saturday 30th August
We round out the August with a trip to top of the table Hornchurch.
Last weekend saw two differing results for us, with a late Saturday defeat away at Chelmsford with Monday picking the spirits back up with a very impressive, and first clean sheet of the season, at home to Worthing.
Hornchurch’s August bank holiday saw them drop points for the first time this, as despite a 3-1 over Farnborough, Monday brought a collapse from 3-1 up against Salisbury, ending 3-3. The Urchins’ first three matches all ended in wins, against Weston-super-Mare, Eastbourne and Enfield.
Hornchurch were welcomed into the National League South last season, following their 23/24 Isthmian League win. 24/25 saw Hornchurch finish 10th, an impressive debut campaign in the division, but lacking in the cup competitions. Our matches against them came in December, a 2-1 comeback victory in the capital, and on the final day in April, as Hornchurch gained revenge with a 4-0 victory.
Ones to Watch
Hornchurch have recruited smartly over the summer, with Charlie Ruff, Dave Winfield, Josh’s Hare & Rees and Arthur Nasta to name just a few.
Attacking midfielder Ruff re-joined from Chelmsford, having been with Hornchurch during their Isthmian League days and brings bags of Step 2 experience.
Likewise with Dave Winfield, who signs from the relegated Welling United, who has over 130 Step 2 appearances, as well as just shy of 200 in the EFL.
Hare, is a name potentially familiar to some as he featured 39 times for Bristol Rovers across the two Covid affected seasons. He even played twice with Tom Mehew for the gas. Hare has spent his time since leaving Bristol in the National League with Eastleigh and Dagenham & Redbridge. He joined this summer from NLS title winners Boreham Wood.
Josh Rees, a central midfielder, who joined from Dagenham & Redbridge this summer also has a lot of Step One experience, with just shy of 300 National League games.
Hornchurch have strengthened in the goalkeeping department. Following the recall of loanee Mason Terry over the summer, they have signed Arthur Nasta on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nasta was playing at Step Four in 2023/24, as he played with Larkhall, and with Chippenham loanees Darren McAlastair & Ethan Cannings!
Supporter Information
Tickets can be purchased both online and on the gate; with Cash & Card being taken oat the turnstile.
If you are making the journey to Hornchurch, check out their visitor information page to make sure that you do not miss a thing.
And we are happy to confirm that we will be hosting MIXLR commentary for the match. Tune in from 2.50pm for all of the action!
COME ON YOU BLUEBIRDS 💙
