OPPOSITION FOCUS | Hornchurch (H)
- Jemma Sear
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Written by Jemma Sear & Nicola C Creative
The Key Info
Founded: 1923
Nickname: The Urchins
Manager: Daryl McMahon
Stadium: Hornchurch Stadium
Capacity: 3,500
The History
Hornchurch were formed in 1923 as Upminster Wanderers, spending their early years playing in the Romford League. Just 15 years later, Hornchurch ended up moving into semi-professional football, with entry into the Spartan League. Further league changes followed as they moved into the newly-formed Delphian League, spending just 7 seasons before election into the Athenian League. Election into the Isthmian League came in the 1974/75 season.
After a lengthy period of struggles and off-field shocks, Hornchurch began to progress up the non-league pyramid before a 2004/05 campaign descended into chaos, as the Urchins had over 100 players represent the club throughout that season. After reforming as AFC Hornchurch, there began to be a period of stability as the Urchins progressed up the Essex Senior League and back into the Isthmian League.
The Manager: Daryl McMahon
Daryl McMahon continues his tenure at Hornchurch this season after promotion to the National League South in 2023/24. Already off to a flying start this season, Hornchurch sit at third in the table after being unbeaten in the league up until mid-november, their first defeat coming from a strong Chelmsford side.
Although dropping down into third place just this weekend after a rather empthatic 5-0 loss to fourth place Worthing. Darryl’s team will be looking to get back on track tonight, but the Tudors defensive record may just put a halt on their goalscoring finesse for another game.
The Skipper: Tom Wraight
After joining Hornchurch in December of the 2021/22 season from Chelmsford City, Tom Wraight immediately made a name for himself by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win at home to Kingstonian.
Previously making appearances for Tilbury, Witham Town, East Thurrock and fellow National League South side Maidstone, Wraight was made captain of The Urchins at the beginning of the current 2025/26 season after captaining the side many times at the close of last season. With four goals to his name, Wraight is a reliable midfielder with 16 appearances across the league so far.
FORM GUIDE:
After a very bright start to the season, the Hornchurch defence has had a rough time recently. Especially in their away defeat at Worthing, where they conceded 5.
Scoring has been scarce, just one win and three goals in five matches suggests the attack is struggling for consistency. Even home matches have produced draws recently (vs Totton and Chesham), indicating that points have been difficult to gain at home too.
🟢 WIN 0-1 vs Tonbridge Angels - 8/11
🔴 LOSS 2-0 vs Chelmsford City - 10/11
🟢 WIN 0-1 vs Brentwood (FA Trophy Second Round) - 15/11
🟡 DRAW 1-1 vs Totton - 22/11
🔴 LOSS 5-0 vs Worthing - 29/11
ONES TO WATCH:
Name: Angelo Balanta
Joined: July 2024
Position: Midfielder
Since joining Hornchurch, Balanta has become a key attacking player for the club. In the current season he has been among the top scorers at the club, contributing decisive goals and late winners in several matches.
He is known for being a striker/attacking-midfielder with experience across multiple levels of English football, bringing both skill and experience to the Hornchurch squad.
Name: Charlie Ruff
Joined: May 2025
Position: Midfielder
A familiar face at the Focus, ex-Tudor Charlie Ruff, is regarded as a creative midfielder and a playmaker in the Hornchurch squad. He is someone capable of influencing games through attacking midfield play, linking midfield and attack.
While he hasn’t scored yet this season, he is well regarded in his ability ‘to create something out of nothing’, adding attacking options to the squad.
Name: Henry Hearn
Joined: November 2023 (Loan) May 2025 (Transfer)
Position: Forward
Since joining from Millwall’s academy, Hearn has made an immediate impact scoring frequently and contributing important goals for Hornchurch this season.
At just 21, he represents a bright young talent with potential and is a big future prospect for Hornchurch.
His goal-scoring contributions gives the squad additional attacking options beyond the more established names making Hornchurch’s attack more dynamic and unpredictable, a challenge for our Tudor defence.