Hornchurch bounced back from Saturday’s defeat at Altrincham with a 2-1 victory over Aldershot Town at Hornchurch Stadium, as George Alexander played a part in both of the Urchins’ goals.
The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute. Alexander’s initial effort was blocked, but Dominic Poleon reacted to the loose ball and finished from a tight angle to put Hornchurch ahead.
Aldershot found an equaliser shortly before half-time. Nino Adom-Malaki delivered from the left and Hakeem Sandah met the cross with a finish from around 12 yards in the 44th minute. It was Sandah’s first National League goal for the Shots and ensured the sides went into the interval level at 1-1.
Hornchurch regained the lead on the hour mark, with Alexander this time getting the goal himself. The forward arrived at the far post and converted from close range to make it 2-1.
Aldershot responded with a double substitution four minutes later. Tristan Abrahams replaced Marcus Wyllie and Jordan Alves came on for Brody Peart as the visitors searched for another equaliser.
Hornchurch made two changes of their own in the 75th minute, with Jack Baldwin replacing Sam Ling and Charlie Pegrum coming on for Henry Sandat. Asher Yearwood and Josh Walker were introduced for Alexander and Aaron Rowe nine minutes later, before Angelo Balanta replaced Poleon in the 86th minute.
The Shots were unable to find a second equaliser during six minutes of added time. Dominic Odusanya was booked in stoppage time before Jack Matton replaced Tyrese Dyce as Aldershot made their final change.
Hornchurch saw out the closing stages to claim their sixth National League victory of the season and respond immediately to Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Altrincham. The result also maintained an impressive start at home following their promotion to the National League.
The victory lifted Hornchurch to 18 points from 11 matches, level with Aldershot, Worthing and Kidderminster. Aldershot finished Tuesday night’s fixtures seventh on goal difference, with Hornchurch in tenth.
