Urchins Win Promotion - AFC Hornchurch vs. Lowestoft Town

There was a big crowd at Bridge Avenue.

For what is likely to be my last game of the season, I made the long journey along the District Line to Bridge Avenue for the Ryman League Premier Division Play Off final between AFC Hornchurch and Lowestoft Town. The two teams had finished level on points in second and third place and each had won one of the two league meetings in the regular season so it promised to be a tight game. I'd been to Hornchurch previously for a match against Aveley and Lowestoft played in the first game I saw at the new Wembley when they lost in the FA Vase final against Kirkham and Wesham (now AFC Flyde).

Just before kick off.

The match has a cagey first half and there are no real close calls. Both sides have a few efforts flash wide but there are no real clear cut chances. The only moment of any worry for either keeper is when the Lowestoft keeper misjudges the ball in the box but the ball is cleared off the line. The second half starts in much the same vein but in the final quarter the game opens up. Lowestoft hit the bar with a brilliant effort from just outside the box and the Lowestoft keeper makes a couple of decent saves. Time after time the Lowestoft wingers manage to beat the Hornchurch full backs but they fail to utilise their position. At full time the game is goalless and the game goes in to extra time. 

The side of the ground where most of Lowestoft's sizeable support was sat.

Hornchurch score the first goal in the opening moments of the first period of extra time but there is a hint of controversy about the goal. The Lowestoft midfielder loses the ball in midfield and goes down clutching his head but the referee plays on and the ball is knocked in after the initial effort was saved. Things soon even themselves out as Lowestoft earn a penalty in the closing moments of the first period and the scores are level at half time of extra time. Lowestoft dominate the second period of extra time and create chance after chance but fail to take any and as has happened to countless other sides, Hornchurch go up the other end and score. They break quickly and manage to get the ball over and the Hornchurch player slots the ball home to win the game.

Hornchurch players celebrate the first goal.

Bridge Avenue is a five minute walk from Upminster Bridge station which is on the District Line. The journey from Bank takes around forty minutes. In between Upminster Bridge and the ground is The Windmill. I never been here on either of my visits but it seemed popular with Lowestoft fans before the game. The clubhouse is quite large and looks out on to the pitch.

The celebrations begin!