"Bucks set to finally face Urchins in FA Trophy"

Match Date : January 20th, 2026 7:45 pm
Competition : FA Trophy
Ground : Hornchurch Stadium
Kick Off : 19:45

After two postponements so far, the Bucks’ FA Trophy adventure is set to continue this Tuesday with a tricky trip to National League South high flyers Hornchurch in the Fourth Round.

Having long been a fixture at the top end of the Isthmian League, Hornchurch finally clinched promotion to the National League South in 2023/24 when they racked up 100 points to finish as champions. Manager Daryl McMahon arrived mid-campaign that season, after Steve Morison left for Sutton in January 2024, and under McMahon the Urchins have gone from strength to strength.

After finishing 9th last season, Hornchurch have enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign so far and are firmly in the promotion mix. The Urchins started the season 16 unbeaten in the league, which saw them sitting at the top of the table. And while a run of four defeats in the nine games since has seen them slip down to 2nd, they are still only one point behind leaders Worthing with a game in hand.

McMahon’s squad is a mix of youth and experience. Veteran attacker Angelo Balanta has found the net 12 times this season, while former Millwall youngster Henry Hearn has seven goals to his name. The Urchins are captained by Tom Wraight, while midfielder Josh Rees is another man to watch. McMahon’s men have been particularly impressive at the Hornchurch Stadium this season, with Maidstone being the only away side to win there this campaign – although that was in the Urchins’ last game on home soil.

In the cup competitions, Hornchurch were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first attempt when Peterborough Sports beat them 2-1 in the second qualifying round. But having squeezed past local rivals Brentwood Town on penalties, the Urchins dispatched Dover 4-1 in the last round to progress to this stage of the Trophy. Hornchurch have recent history in the Trophy too, beating a Hereford side featuring Brandon Hall and Jared Hodgkiss 3-1 at Wembley to win the competition in 2021.

The Bucks have beaten Chesham and Altrincham to progress to this stage, and on both of the previous occasions that AFC Telford have made it past Round Three, they have subsequently made it to the semi-finals. Wilkin’s men will no doubt be looking to a similar run this time around.

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

There will be no tickets on the gate for away supporters. You can purchase tickets online in advance via the Hornchurch website. Please refer to the matchday guide for more information.

Website: www.hornchurchfc.com

Ground Address: Bridge Ave, Upminster, RM14 2LX