Hornchurch FC delivered a commanding performance at the Bridge on Good Friday as they swept aside Dagenham & Redbridge 3-0 in front of a record league crowd, tightening their grip on a play-off place and keeping themselves firmly in the title hunt.
On a District line derby day without the District line, the Urchins made full use of home advantage, showing composure, aggression and clinical finishing in a fixture crackling with atmosphere.
With noise pouring from the home end, Daryl McMahon’s side started confidently.
The manager, facing his former club, made two changes from their previous league outing, bringing in Henry Hearn and ex-Dagger Myles Weston for Domonic Poleon and Charlie Pegrum.
The hosts were on the front foot from the opening whistle, with George Alexander twice going close. His early volley skimmed over before Hearn rounded Sam Howes, only to be denied by a superb goal-line clearance.
Hornchurch sustained their pressure and were rewarded in the 36th minute when a scramble in the box fell to former Dagenham man Josh Rees, who reacted quickest to stab home from close range.
The Bridge erupted, and the home side’s momentum only grew.
On the stroke of half-time, Tom Wraight’s measured cross found Giles Phillips at the back post, the defender powering his header beyond Howes to double the lead and send the Urchins into the break in full control.
Dagenham showed flickers of life at the start of the second half, but Hornchurch remained disciplined and dangerous on the counter.
Hearn forced another good stop from Howes midway through the half before the decisive third arrived in the 75th minute. Alexander burst through one against one and coolly slipped his finish past the keeper to round off an excellent attacking display.
Hornchurch managed the closing stages professionally, maintaining their clean sheet and leaving their rivals to make an early exit. It marked a memorable derby triumph and completed a first-ever league double over Dagenham in competitive fixtures.
With the play-offs all but secured and belief growing, McMahon’s side now turn their attention to Bank Holiday Monday and a crucial trip to Maidstone United.
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