HORNCHURCH will be looking to build on their opening day delight when they host Eastbourne Borough this weekend.

The Urchins, who were crowned Isthmian Premier Division champions last season, started life in National League South with a 3-1 victory at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.

And skipper Ryan Scott is keen to make it back to back wins against tough opposition .

“Every game in this league is a test. “Eastbourne will be no different,” said the defender.

“Last year we only lost once at home in the league and we will need to try and make our ground a fortress again if we want to be up there at the end of the season.

“The boys will be looking to keep up momentum and everybody is now fighting for shirts with some new signings coming in so we can hopefully put together another solid performance and see where that takes us.”

The early signs were promising where that was concerned for Hornchurch who fought back from a goal down to triumph at the weekend.

James Roberts put the hosts in front from the penalty spot after 13 minutes but the Urchins fought back late on with three goals in the last 18 minutes.

Liam Nash levelled things up in the 72nd minute before Charlee Adams made it 2-1 just four minutes later.

Nash soon added his second goal of the game to seal Hornchurch’s win despite Nathan Green being sent off late on.

And Scott was thrilled to kick off the campaign in such fine fashion after a strong second half showing.

“It was great for the team to get the win and start our campaign with three points,” said Scott.

“We were average in the first half and knew we could improve.

“In the second half we were excellent and we deserved the win.

“With some new additions still bedding in hopefully that gives everyone more confidence as we move forward too.”

Scott now wants the win to be a sign of things to come.

And he is confident Daryl McMahon’s side have the quality to do well at this level despite the higher calibre of opposition.

“We have a squad of talented players, lots with experience of this league and higher and a manager who has won this league before,” said Scott.

“It’s early days of course but we hope to be right in the mix.

“However, we are well aware it will take a lot of hard work with so many full time teams in this league now.”

Eastbourne Borough head into Saturday’s game having drawn 1-1 at home to Chesham United in their opening game.

Jayden Davis put Eastbourne in front after 58 minutes before Chesham equalised through Nathan Minhas three minutes from time.