Hornchurch 4, Grays Athletic 0

THE not unexpected exit from the BBC Essex Senior Cup duly arrived on Tuesday evening (18 November) when the Blues found National League South table toppers Hornchurch a tough proposition.

Blues were far from disgraced in the fourth round clash but the Urchins were just too strong as they built on their league success and a continuing strong run in the FA Trophy.

The game got underway, and the hosts wasted little time asserting themselves, creating the first meaningful opening in three minutes when Charlee Adams' early strike fizzed narrowly past the upright.

Hornchurch continued to build pressure, and on 19 minutes, Charlie Ruff forced a smart stop from Grays goalkeeper George Marsh, who tipped his effort around the post.

The breakthrough arrived after 28 minutes when Myles Weston was picked out at the far post and fired home.

Grays responded bravely and produced their best moments of the half shortly before the interval. First, Sam Wade tested Rhys Byrne with a firm effort, which the young keeper held well, before Byrne produced an outstanding save moments later, diving low to turn away a volley from the edge of the area. His interventions ensured the Urchins carried their one-goal advantage into the break.

Hornchurch re-established control after the break and extended their lead just three minutes into it when Ruff found the net with a well-taken volley.

The third goal arrived just two minutes later when Charlee Adams unleashed a long range effort that flew past Marsh.

Hornchurch continued to carve out chances, and the fourth goal arrived 15 minutes from time when Darren McQueen ended an excellent team move with a crisp shot.

Grays will look to bounce back on Saturday, but it will require a good performance at Chadfields where they will entertain second-placed Gorleston in the Isthmian North.

Since the 6-0 rout of Brantham, Grays have played four matches and conceded 12 goals. Gorleston are the division's top scorers with 34 goals, but they are the most profligate of the leading sides at the back, having conceded 26 times - a slight window of opportunity for the Blues perhaps.