Under-21s defeated by Hornchurch in third pre-season clash

Wayne Burnett’s side took the lead on a sweltering afternoon, with captain Alfie Dorrington heading home inside two minutes, but were pegged back by Henry Hearn after 31 minutes.

Oliver Irow came close to restoring the lead after 42 minutes, but saw an impressive strike saved two minutes before the hosts marched down the other end and edged in front through Jack Powell.

Nathan Ferguson added a third for Hornchurch in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, placing a shot underneath a diving Sam Archer and into the far corner, which sealed the victory for the hosts.