The hosts were not waiting around and took the lead on 11 minutes. Having been awarded a free kick from all of 50 yards, Mickey Purcell spotted Charlie Turner off his line and stepped up to curl an effort expertly into the net.

Brightlingsea went in search of a reply through Dominic Locke and his attempt was watched closely by Urchins Keeper Joe Wright as it drifted wide.

Hornchurch’s second came following some sustained set piece pressure. Tom Wright’s corner was cleared but the ball was returned to the man in form and his pinpoint cross found Tobi Joseph to slot home.

The game was seemingly put out of reach when Joseph linked up with Remi Sutton who slid a fine through ball into Liam Nash to finish.

Brightlingsea came closest through Charlie Durling’s deflected header and Jake Thompson who fired narrowly wide.

For Hornchurch, Ola Ogunwamide pounced on the rebound following a Turner save but his shot was blocked well.

Sub Charlie Ruff could have added gloss late on but his header from Wright’s ball flew over.

Star Man: Remi Sutton (Hornchurch)
Entertainment: 4/5 Stars

By Stephen McEnnerney (For the Non-League Paper)