Rovers suffer FA Cup exit

Rovers arrived in Essex with a threadbare squad as recent injuries have savaged Tony Joyce’ line ups since the beginning of the season, but in the end were well beaten by a thoroughly well drilled Hornchurch side from the league above.

The Urchins took less than fifteen minutes to begin testing the Rovers back line, Saunders causing havok from the right wing. His crosses saw Spence have a shot saved as well as Uchechi stabbing over from close range. Kempston’s best chance came moments later, a diagonal ball from Robbie Goodman caught everyone out and found the head of Izale McLeod. The veteran frontman’s looping header beat Roberts, who was well off his line, but couldn’t dip enough to find the net. The home side did manage to find the net midway through the half, Dickson turning exquisitely on the edge of the box, only to scuff his finish, Carl Knox got a hand to the bobbling shot, but could only turn it into the path of Christou, who gleefully tapped in. Kempston changed their formation after the goal and seemed to hold Hornchurch more at arms length after their reshuffle. But in first half stoppage time, a cross from that man Saunders found Spence in the six yard box. The Urchins’ skipper’s effort going in off the bar as he nearly contrived to miss the target from so close in. Two nil at the break seemed a fair reflection of the half.

Any hopes of a Kempston come back were snuffed out in three second half minutes shortly after the re-start. Saunders cut the ball back after some fine wing play to find Parcell in the right place to tuck in the third. Spence added a fourth two minutes later with an acrobatic scissor kick after a left wing cross. In between the goals, Uchechi had hit the post for Hornchurch as they now looked to be running away with proceedings. Midway through the second half, Dickson capped off a fine individual performance by curling in from the edge of the box for the goal of the game. With fifteen minutes to go, Hornchurch were awarded a penalty. And, in a moment that perhaps summed up the entire afternoon for Kempston, Hornchurch made it six. Stimson took the penalty, which was well saved by Knox, beating it away to his right, only for the ball to fall to Johnson, who smashed in the rebound. Hornchurch did have half chances to extend the lead still further. Kempston mustered a late attack to give their hardy bunch of supporters something to cheer, but couldn’t force the ball in.

Hornchurch progress to the next round of the cup, while Kempston now have a week to lick their wounds as Tuesday’s League Cup game against St. Neots has been postponed due to their involvement in an FA Cup replay. Rovers’ next outing will be next weekend’s trip to Yaxley.

The Andy Kirby Game - Rovers did indeed don their blue strip for this one, with Andy's brand new lime green socks. [5/6]