The 2017/18 Bostik North League campaign kicks off on Saturday as the Urchins welcome Soham Town Rangers to the Bridge.

Both sides have had good pre-season results with the Urchins winning 3 of their 6 fixtures, drawing 2 and losing just the 1 against Bostik Premier side Kingstonian.  The draws were against a full strength Leyton Orient 11 and the West Ham Utd U19s.  Add to that comfortable wins over Hullbridge Sports (5-0), VCD Athletic (4-1) and Kelvedon Hatch (5-0) and the Urchins will be pleased with their pre-season efforts.

Soham, having lost their opening 3 friendlies, have gone unbeaten in their last 5 and finished their season preparation with good wins over Stotfold (3-2) and Chasetown (4-1).

Hornchurch have been busy in the transfer market with the Urchins adding Brad Warner (Bowers & Pitsea), Theo Fairweather-Johnson (Phoenix Sports), Jay Porter (Thamesmead Town) and Sean Roberts (Cray Wanderers) to their ranks.  A number of players have departed including Junior Luke, Abs Seymour, Abs Thompson, Joey May, Gary Cohen, Teddy Nesbitt, Usman Adeniji, John Easterford and Sam Bantick.

The Greens’ most recent signing is 23 year old striker  James Tricks who arrives from St Neots Town.

Last season the Urchins finished 4th, losing out to Thurrock in the play-off semi-final.  Soham needed a win on the last day of the season to avoid relegation and scored twice in the last 5 minutes at home to Maldon & Tiptree to preserve their Isthmian status.

Last time we met
AFC Hornchurch 1, Soham Town Rangers 0.  Ryman Division 1 North, 28th February 2017.  Match Centre.

Match Details
Date: Saturday 12th August 2017
Kick off: 3:00pm
Venue: Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2LX
Admission: Adults: £10; Concessions (65+): £6; 12 – 16 year olds: £3; Under 12s: £FREE

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