By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
A Chris Dickson penalty 20 minutes from time salvaged a point for Hornchurch in their Isthmian Premier League game at home to Horsham on Saturday, the Sussex side having led since the 27th minute courtesy of Rob O’Toole’s header. The result left Urchins in 11th place.
But struggling East Thurrock United stay in the relegation zone after a 3-1 reversal against league leaders Worthing at Rookery Hill.
Joel Colbran and Mo Diallo scored first half goals for the visitors and although they had to play the final half-hour of the match with ten men following Cameron Tutt’s dismissal, they went 3-0 up with five minutes left when Omar Komara scored from the penalty spot, before Rocks grabbed a stoppage time consolation through Izzy Bademosi.
In the Isthmian North Aveley are in fourth place after a 4-2 win at home to bottom club Witham Town. George Sykes netted twice for the Millers – the first from the penalty spot – and Alex Clark and David Kinght were also on the scoresheet, with Usman Adenji and Greg Akpele replying for the visitors.
There was a seven-goal thriller at Burroughs Park, but unfortunately for Great Wakering Rovers it was visitors Histon who took the three points as the second-placed side won 4-3.
Kojo Apenteng put Rovers ahead in the sixth minute before Danny Gould levelled just before the half-hour mark, then Josh Dawkin put Histon 3-1 ahead with a goal either side of the break, before an own goal reduced the deficit.
Wakering equalised through Apenteng in the 77th minute, but Ed Rolph grabbed the winner for the visitors a minute later. Wakering are currently 8th in the table.
Just behind them are Grays Athletic who slipped to a 1-0 loss away to Soham Town Rangers, Declan Rogers scoring the only goal of the game after 37 mnutes.
Defeat too for Hullbridge Sports, who are now 10th after a 2-0 loss at Felixstowe and Walton United for whom Miles Powell and Ollie Canfer scored in the final 8 minutes.
Heybridge Swifts got the better of Basildon United, Andy Fennell and Isaac Nkosi finding the net to give Swifts a 2-0 victory. Heybridge are in 12th position whilst the Bees are currently one off the bottom.
And 16th-placed Coggeshall Town picked up a point at Dereham Town. Matt Price headed the Seedgrowers into the lead on 29 minutes before the hosts scored a 55th minute penalty through Rhys Logan.
In the Isthmian South Central unbeaten Waltham Abbey stayed in pole position, following an excellent 5-1 win at home to Northwood.
The Middlesex side took the lead through Aaron Morgan in the 10th minute. But a Jason Hallett hat-trick and goals from Billy Holland and Nathan Korangteng made it a comfortable victory for Abbey.
Barking moved off the bottom of the table, Isaac Westendorf’s 72nd minute goal being enough to giving Justin Gardner’s men their first league win of the season.
But Harlow Town’s struggles continue. The Hawks are now propping up the division after a 2-1 defeat at home to Ashford Town.
Jack French gave the visitors an early lead before Christian Adu Gyamfi levelled four minutes before half-time, but Ashford took all three points when Brad Sweeney grabbed them an 87th minute winner.