Match Preview: Hornchurch (H) - 21st February 2026

Photo courtesy of Fin Hall

By Josh Cole

The Stags continue on home soil as they welcome Hornchurch to The Snows Stadium for another Enterprise National league South fixture!

Last time out on Tuesday night AFC Totton drew 1-1 at home with Hampton & Richmond. CLICK HERE to read the match report.

Happy hour is back again tomorrow! CLICK HERE to find out what football we are showing at what times and the food/drink deals you can find at The Snows Stadium!

HORNCHURCH – THEIR SEASON SO FAR:

The Urchins are currently sat in 3^rd place in the league table on 56 points from 30 games. CLICK HERE to view the full league table.

25/26 started for Hornchurch in the best possible way, with four wins out of their first four Enterprise National League South matches. Those wins came against Weston-super-Mare (3-2), Eastbourne Borough (1-2), Enfield Town (0-1), and Farnborough (3-1). They ended August still undefeated with a 3-3 draw away at Salisbury and a 3-0 win against Chippenham Town.

In the league their good form continued with a win over Dorking (1-0) and a draw away against Ebbsfleet (1-1). However, their FA Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle, with Hornchurch losing to National League North side Peterborough Sports 2-1. This didn’t slow down their league form as they bounced back to go unbeaten in another four games with two draws and two wins.

Hornchurch just kept winning, on all fronts, with a win in the Essex Senior Cup against Redbridge (1-3), and they won back-to-back league games against Hampton & Richmond, 2-1, as well as a great win away at Torquay United, 1-2.

After another draw and win in the league, after 17 matches unbeaten in the ENLS, their first loss finally came on the 10^th of November, losing 2-0 to fellow Essex side, Chelmsford.

In their last two games before the visit of The Stags they required penalties to beat Brentwood Town in the FA Trophy after the 90 minutes finished 0-0, and Hornchurch also beat Grays Athletic in the Essex Senior Cup, 4-0 in midweek. After drawing 1-1 with Totton, the month of November ended with a 5-0 loss away at Worthing.

December saw a mixed bag of results in all competitions. In the league, Hornchurch won two, drew one and lost two, and as well, lost 2-1 away at Hashtag United in the Essex Senior Cup but beat Dover away 1-4 in the FA Trophy 3^rd round.

There were only four games for Hornchurch in January, with three in the league seeing two wins and a loss which came at home against fellow title chaser Torquay (1-2) and a defeat in the FA Trophy at home to AFC Telford.

In the games leading up to the trip to The Snows Stadium, Hornchurch’s form continues to be hit and miss, with a win, loss and draw in their last three matches.

LAST FIVE: AFC TOTTON

Vs Hampton & Richmond | Home | ENLS | Drew 1-1

Goalscorer: Ash Clarke 33’

Vs Ebbsfleet United | Away | ENLS | Lost 4-0

Vs Dover Athletic | Home | ENLS | Won 3-0

Goalscorers: Scott Rendell 27’, Luke Hallett 34’ & Tony Lee 49’

Vs Tonbridge Angels | Away | ENLS | Lost 4-1

Goalscorers: Ash Clarke 30’

Vs Enfield Town | Home | ENLS | Won 3-2

Goalscorers: Tony Lee 24’ 90+2’ & Ralph Vigrass 45+4’

LAST FIVE: HORNCHURCH

Vs Dorking Wanderers | Away | ENLS | Lost 1-0

Vs Tonbridge Angels | Home | ENLS | Won 3-2

Goalscorers: Harry Gibbs 36’ Henry Sandat 45+1’ & Angelo Balanta 90+3’

Vs Hampton & Richmond | Away | ENLS | Drew 2-2

Goalscorers: Henry Sandat 19’ & Angelo Balanta 43’

Vs Torquay United | Home | ENLS | Lost 1-2

Goalscorer: Angelo Balanta 9’

Vs Weston-super-Mare | Away | ENLS | Won 1-2

Goalscorers: Angelo Balanta 32’ & Henry Hearn 59’

OPPOSITION PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Written by Hornchurch fan/journalist, Bailey Howard:

Goalkeeper – Arthur Nasta

Arthur Nasta is a young English goalkeeper currently on loan with the club from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s during the 2025/26 season. He progressed through the Wolves academy after impressing in senior football with Larkhall Athletic, where he kept 16 clean sheets in 44 appearances before joining Wolves in 2024.

At Hornchurch, he is gaining valuable first-team experience in senior football, further developing his shot-stopping and game management skills as part of his progression towards higher levels. He has performed at an outstanding level, consistently keeping goals out to the best of his ability.

Defender – Harry Gibbs

Harry Gibbs is an experienced English centre-back who returned to the club in 2024 following earlier spells with local rivals Aveley and Brentwood Town.

Having developed through the non-league system, he captained Aveley to promotion and has since become a key figure in Hornchurch’s defence. Gibbs has made numerous appearances and contributed important goals from defence, including a brilliant long-range strike in a dramatic 3–3 draw at Salisbury this season.

He is well known for his leadership, consistency and versatility across the back line, bringing valuable experience to the defensive unit.

Midfielder – Josh Rees

Josh Rees is a talented and creative midfielder who plays a central role in linking play and contributing goals. An English professional footballer, he operates primarily as a central midfielder and can also feature in a more advanced attacking midfield role.

He joined the Urchins in July 2025 following the expiry of his contract with local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge, notably scoring the winner against them on Boxing Day in front of 1,100 away supporters.

Rees progressed through the Arsenal academy and has represented Nottingham Forest, Torquay United, Chelmsford City, Bromley, Gillingham, Aldershot Town and Boreham Wood prior to his spell with the Daggers. At Hornchurch, he wears the number seven shirt and brings experience and creativity to a midfield pushing for promotion.

Striker – Angelo Balanta

Angelo Balanta has been a key attacking figure this season. The Colombian forward has already scored fifteen goals and continues to provide a reliable presence in front of goal, consistently contributing on the scoresheet.
 

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee - Jason Porter

Assistant Ref 1 - Matt Eva

Assistant Ref 2 - Robert Harrison

Fourth Official - Josh Osofa

GO STAGS