Forest Green Rovers got back to winning ways after a 1-0 win at Hornchurch.
Ricardo Rees opened the scoring early as Rovers dominated the first half.
The second 45 was more evenly contested, but a solid defensive backline helped FGR leave Essex with all three points.
Robbie Savage’s side became the first team to win at the Hornchurch Stadium in the Enterprise National League.
First Half:
Kelvin Abrefa came in to make his Forest Green debut after signing for FGR on loan from Reading on Friday.
Ricardo Rees’ finish after ten minutes saw Rovers take the lead in a match for the first time this season.
It was great work from Sean Etaluku down the visitors’ left, and FGR’s number 20 fired in a perfect cross for Rees to finish.
Tempers flared after 19 minutes with Hornchurch’s Henry Hearn going into the referee’s book after a scuffle where it looked like there were a few arms were swung; Hearn was substituted just four minutes later.
Despite Rovers being on top for the first 25 minutes, Ethan Ross was called into action with Josh Walker having the home side’s first chance.
Filozofe Mabete tried his luck from the halfway line, but his effort agonisingly went wide; however, it did cause some bother for Urchins’ keeper Arthur Nasta.
Savage’s side continued to push for a second as Kyle Kelly went close from a corner, but Nasta tipped it over.
Although Rovers were on top in the first half, all that hard work almost came undone by a Hornchurch counter-attack just before half-time.
However, it was outstanding defensive work from Jayden Clarke to make sure Forest Green went into the break ahead.
Rovers’ number four sprinted half the length of the pitch to chase down the pacy Urchins’ attacker, and put in a decisive last-ditch block.
Freddie Sass had an impressive first half, as his powerful long throws caused a lot of problems for the Essex side’s defence.
Robbie Savage will no doubt have been happy with his side's first-half performance.
Half time - Hornchurch 0-1 FGR
Second Half:
Rovers started the second half as they ended the first, on top.
Kyle McAllister had a header, but his effort went wide of Nasta’s goal.
Rowe had the Urchins’ first chance of the second half, but his effort went over Ross’ bar.
It was a much more end-to-end second half as both sides created good opportunities, but neither could find the game’s second goal.
Robbie Savage turned to his bench for the first time in the 77th minute, with Kairo Mitchell and Oli Ewing coming on for Rees and Kelly.
Daryl McMahon’s side came close to levelling the score with only four minutes remaining, but Ross got down well and made an incredible save to keep Rovers’ lead intact.
FGR almost had a second a minute later, but Nesta produced a fine stop himself to keep Campbell out.
Rovers will be delighted with that performance against a very good Hornchurch side; choosing a player of the match will be a tough ask; everyone battled and gave their all.
Rovers are back in GL6 next Saturday when they take on Gateshead, looking to build on this performance.
Full Time - Hornchurch 0-1 FGR
Line-ups:
Hornchurch: Nasta, Inniss, Walker (Kelman 79’), Wraight, Hearn (Sandat 24’), Kizzi, Pegrum (Powell 46’), Ling, Edwards (Poleon 79’), Bracking (Yearwood 68’), Rowe
Subs not used - Byrne, Dallison
FGR: Ross, Clarke (Mellor 90+2’), Ajayi, Campbell, McAllister, Rees (Mitchell 77’), Etaluku (Kircough 85’), Kelly (Ewing 77’), Mabete, Saas, Abrefa
Subs not used - McNicholas, Haughton, Patrick
