Hornchurch have to be better against Wingate says boss

The north London club have had their share of success against Urchins in recent campaigns, knocking the FA Trophy holders out of the 2021-22 competition on penalties.

And they are unbeaten in five outings, since an opening-day defeat, after enjoying FA Cup success at Whitstable Town last weekend.

“Your next game is always your toughest,” said Morison, after his own side secured progress in the FA Cup with a 5-0 home win over Fakenham Town.

“I’ve been told they’re a team we have come unstuck against so we’ve got to try and change that and be better than previously.

“We’ve had similar starts, both teams are confident, it’s a good pitch so it should be a good one.”

Urchins were kept at bay by step five outfit Fakenham until just before the hour mark last weekend, much to the frustration of Morison.

But after sending on Ollie Muldoon and Tom Wraight at the interval, they broke the deadlock through Ade Yusuff.

“We were poor in the final third in the first half, rather than them holding out,” added Morison.

“We had one off the line, hit the crossbar, another great block by them.

“We just said ‘we’ve got to be better’ and we were in the second half.

“We made a couple of changes to get ourselves going and once we scored, we’re a fit group and we got the job done.”

Sam Higgins doubled the advantage, with Sean Scannell claiming his first goal for the club soon after.

And Higgins and Yusuff both struck again as Urchins made it four goals in a 13-minute spell to complete their nap hand.

“It’s always a bit nerve-racking when you’re not scoring, thinking they might get a moment and hold on,” said Morison.

“Ade has worked extremely hard this season and had some near misses but he got us on our way.

“Higgo scored a couple of really good goals and it will be good for Sean’s confidence, coming back from long-term injury.

“He’s been finding his feet but is getting better all the time and has got good quality. He causes uncertainty so it was pleasing to see him score.”

Monday’s draw handed Hornchurch a trip to Isthmian North side Witham Town, who beat a Kirkley & Pakefield side that competes with Fakenham in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.

The second qualifying round tie takes place on Saturday week (September 16), with Morison adding: “Witham is a step up from Fakenham – from the league below us – and we didn’t do too well against those teams in pre-season.

“I’ve said to the boys ‘every dog has its day’. We need to be right.”

Midfielder Muldoon added: “We’re starting to come into our flow now, we’re not quite there yet but we are learning every week and we’re getting there.

“It’s always tough against Wingate at their place. They have a nice pitch and hopefully we can go there and do the same as we’ve done today.”