Hornchurch boss wants pacesetters to keep on pushing

Urchins extended their unbeaten start to the season to 16 games with a 3-0 victory at Kingstonian last weekend, which left them 11 points clear at the top of the table.

And they are set to welcome Whitehawk to Bridge Avenue on Saturday, before heading to Concord for a rearranged fixture on Tuesday.

“We’re in a decent place after 16 games, we’ve scored 50, only conceded 13 and we’ve got to keep building,” said Morison.

“Pitches start to turn at this time of year and the football looks a bit different, so we have to be adaptable, stand up and be counted.

“Whitehawk had a really good result at Enfield Town, coming back to draw 4-4, but would’ve been disappointed losing to Potters Bar.

“They’re playing Cray on Wednesday and it’s another test against a team coming and giving it their best shot.

“Concord played on Saturday [1-1 home draw with Horsham], but their pitch has been up and down.”

Ollie Muldoon headed the opener at Kingstonian from a Tom Wraight corner, before Andy Somo was given his marching orders for the hosts.

And Morison agreed with the decision by referee Jordan McRitchie, adding: “It was a moment of madness, squaring up to the referee after getting fouled. He was lucky to only get a yellow card, but he wouldn’t stop and the referee had no choice for the integrity of the game.

“The sending-off made it pretty comfortable. It was just a case of us being professional and doing our job.”

Ade Yusuff doubled the advantage on the hour, turning inside his man and firing home, and sealed the points soon after from Femi Akinwande’s through ball.

“We should’ve had a few more and 3-0 looks a better scoreline for them, it doesn’t hammer their goal difference,” said Morison.

“Ade’s work and effort is being rewarded with goals and they were two really good goals.

“The first was a good turn and finish and then he was calm and composed when Femi played him in.”

Yusuff took his tally for the season to 14 as a result, with the club announcing the departure of fellow striker Sam Higgins on Sunday.

Higgins scored 59 goals in 97 appearances, helping Urchins win the FA Trophy in May 2021, and Morison added: “It hasn’t really worked for Sam. He has had a few niggles and I can’t offer him the football he wants.

“We feel we can cope with Ade, Femi and Nashy and it gives Sam the opportunity to go and play elsewhere.

“There were no issues, we wish him all the best. It was just the situation. I can’t guarantee minutes and they all want to play.”

Morison also confirmed the loss of Nathan Green to long-term injury, but has options with regards to replacing him.

“Nathan is probably out for the season, which is a big blow,” he said.

“The lads have adapted well and we will keep pushing on, try and replace him or wait for Remi [Sutton], whatever needs to be done.”