Hornchurch boss Steve Morison relishing Millwall meeting

Hornchurch boss Steve Morison is looking forward to ending their pre-season campaign against Millwall U21s this weekend.

Urchins are unbeaten in their five friendly fixtures to date, following a 2-2 draw at Isthmian North newcomers Redbridge last Friday.

And Morison believes their final outing at Bridge Avenue on Saturday will set them up nicely for their Isthmian League Premier Division opener at Horsham on August 12.

The Young Lions are led by Kevin Nugent and Paul Robinson, who Morison played alongside for Millwall in the League One play-off final at Wembley in 2010.

“Nuge and Robbo, they do it properly and their season starts the week after as well so it will be a really good tough test for us,” he said.

“They’re a good team, they’ve won their league the last couple of seasons and are a good bunch.

“It’s what we wanted, as tough as possible to set us up nicely for the league starting when it’s flat out Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday.”

Hornchurch raced into a 2-0 lead against the Motormen as Nathan Bertram-Cooper and Jack Leahy netted inside 20 minutes, before the hosts hit back either side of the break.

And midfielder Leahy could find himself going up against younger brother Tomas this weekend.

“We got a couple of early goals, but then dropped our levels as a group,” added Morison.

“A stupid mistake to give them a goal from a penalty, but we were relatively in control and had other chances we should’ve taken before they got a deserved equaliser.

“It will be nice for them and their family, if he [Tomas] is not with the first team.”

Jack Munns and Jamal Allen were released this week and Morison admitted it was not easy to let them go, but a decision that had to be made.

“We looked at the squad and wanted to trim the numbers down and have a more focused group that will play and push each other,” he added.

“They’re not great conversations to have but they can now find other clubs and play.

“I could’ve kept them for another two weeks and then let them go, but I didn’t want to do that. If you’re in non-league or the Football League, the last thing you want is to not play.

“We’ve got 20, with Remi Sutton out until the end of September, not included in that list. We will work with that and if we need to change, we will have the ability to do so.”

And with their preparations almost finished, Morison admitted he is looking forward to their league challenge.

“It’s a new week, working towards the season and building up to the Horsham game,” he added.

“It’s been an excellent pre-season. I can’t thank West Ham Academy enough for allowing us to use their training facility, it’s much appreciated.

“The games have been good, the lads have been working hard and I’m really pleased with how it’s gone.

“We’re in that final stage now and we want to bridge that gap from the past two seasons. It’s a long old season but we’re hoing to start it off right.”