DICKSON SO DEADLY IN URCHINS’ SUCCESS
HORNCHURCH emphatically maintained their unbeaten league record when a lightning start handed Kingstonian their first loss of the season.
First-half goals from Hornchurch’s Chris Dickson and Joe Christou and a second-half strike from Ronnie Winn sealed a victory which kept the Urchins in second place.
They led on eight minutes thanks to a messy goal.
Ks keeper Rob Tolfrey’s attempted clearance cannoned back off a defender with the ball falling to the alert Dickson. His first effort was blocked but he tucked away the rebound for his fifth goal of the season.
And he almost added a second three minutes later, his effort just clearing the bar.
But the hosts weren’t to be denied, Joe Christou sweeping home Dickson’s pinpoint pass on 16 minutes after a lovely move which also involved Daniel Uchechi.
Ks grew into the game with Louie Theophanous firing just wide and having a goalbound effort blocked by centre-back Rickie Hayles but Hornchurch weathered the late Ks storm.
Gus Sow had an early second-half chance for the visitors but his shot was well saved by Hornchurch custodian Joseph Osaghae.
Then Dickson latched on to Christou’s through ball, only for his shot to roll agonisingly wide.
The game ebbed and flowed with neither side able to gain control until Hornchurch extended their lead on 68 minutes.
Uchechi and Dickson linked up well, the ball was played through to
Ronnie Winn and he finished clinically past Tolfrey.
Theophanous and Fabio Saraiva went close late on but Hornchurch were home and hosed by then, handily on such a hot day
Urchins boss Mark Stimson was full of praise for a side which made it ten points out of 12.
He told The NLP: “It was hot today, difficult conditions but it was a good all round performance.
“Kingstonian are an excellent side and I’m very happy to come away with a 3-0 win.
“We’re in a good spell and that’s pleasing especially with the players that are missing. The lads coming in have done remarkably well. I’m enjoying my weekends at the moment.
“They had Louie (Theophanus) up front and wide players whose pace will cause a lot of problems this season. So to keep a clean sheet was very pleasing.” STAR MAN: Chris Dickson (Hornchurch) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★