On Saturday February 7th Hampton & Richmond Borough host third-place Hornchurch at Beveree Stadium
After two postponed away fixtures, the Beavers will finally be back in action for the first time in ten days for their first February fixture.
After that impressive victory against Worthing, it’ll be another tough test as when third-placed Hornchurch visit the Bev, they’ll only be four points off top with two games in hand.
They have the joint-third highest win total in the league with fifteen, and three wins in their last five.
Last time out they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of current league leaders Torquay United at home, losing 1-2 courtesy of a second half brace from Jordan Young.
Before that they defeated Weston-Super-Mare away and Eastbourne Borough at home either side of an FA Trophy exit after falling to AFC Telford United to round out their January.
As you may remember the Urchins went unbeaten in the league until the 10th of November, but their form of late has taken a slight (only a slight) dip, with three of their five league defeats coming in December and January.
Despite this they still have plenty of danger men all over the pitch.
A player highlighted in the reverse fixture’s edition Angelo Balanta has been nominated for the National League South player of the month for January after three goals in three games. He has thirteen goals and three assists on the season, including one each when we faced the Urchins at their stadium in October.
His strike partner Henry Hearn was another Hornchurch man highlighted before, and his good form has continued, registering twelve goal contributions in just seventeen appearances.
Midfielder Josh Rees has been ever-present for the Urchins after joining from Dagenham and Redbridge in the summer, and Centre back Harry Gibbs is the definition of a unit, starting all 27 games he’s featured in and even contributing 4 goals and three assists.
For a wildcard pick, Darren McQueen impressed off the bench in our last game against the Urchins, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the diminutive winger caused us problems this Saturday.
Last time out it was defeat for the Beavers 2-1 in October as we were facing a severe injury crisis at the time.
This Saturday we are commemorating ‘Mr Hampton’ Alan Simpson, the club president for 50 years who was integral to the fortunes of our football club.
Be sure to come down to the Bev and celebrate members of the HRBFC family both past and present, and watch what should be a very good game of football while you’re at it!
Tickets for this Saturday are HERE!
And be sure to show some love to your local football club next week as we host Chelmsford City on Valentine’s Day next weekend. Tickets for that one are HERE!
Up the Beavers!
By Jack Lonergan