Hornchurch ‘have to improve’

Hornchurch manager Jim McFarlane looks on (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO) (Image: �TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 8450 946026)

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane called on his side to improve their finishing after beating Ryman North rivals Witham Town 2-0 at Bridge Avenue.

Second-half goals from George Purcell and Junior Luke secured a second successive victory for Urchins who remain third in the table.

But although the boss was pleased with the final result he feels his side were pedestrian in the early stages, though much improved after the break.

“It was adequate,” said McFarlane.

“It thought we were too comfortable in the first half. We created loads of chances, but didn’t really make the goalkeeper make a save.

“We upped it in the second half and probably could have had more by the end, but I’d have taken 2-0 at the start and I’m just happy to come away with the three points.”

Hornchurch have won four of their last seven games, losing two and drawing one, and McFarlane believes his team have played with far more assurance in recent weeks.

“We had a blip against Heybridge and the draw against Thamesmead where we did everything except put it in the back of the net. But the boys are more confident now and I think you can see that we’ve turned a corner,” he added.

McFarlane is keen to see his side better their conversion rate, having seen a string of opportunities wasted at the weekend.

He has also suggested that there may be new additions to the squad in the coming weeks.

“We have to improve our finishing. That might sound funny coming from the league’s highest scorers, but we’ve probably missed as many chances as we’ve scored,” he said.

“That goes for everyone, not just the strikers. We have a small squad and I’m looking to bring on or two in to add to the strength of the team.”

Hornchurch now have a two-week break before travelling to new leaders Sudbury and McFarlane says they will be putting the time to good use.

“I’ll be trying to arrange a friendly so the boys who haven’t been playing can get some minutes under their belt. We’re lucky with where we train too, that we won’t miss a session even if the weather is bad,” he said.