A rare local derby with The Urchins attracted a decent crowd of 193 to Mayesbrook Park, and they witnessed what was a fairly predictable win for the visitors.

Between the fourth minute, when Hornchurch’s Charlie Ruff fired home, and the 41st minute, when former Leyton Orient player Charlie Pegrum made it seven, Hornchurch dominated as you would expect a Step 2 side to do against Step 5 opposition.

Goals came at regular intervals for the visitors while Boro’s best chance came after 25 minutes when a shot by Christian Adu Gyamfi hit the bar and then a post before the ball was hacked away. Aside from their goals, Hornchurch created other chances but were denied by Boro keeper Brad Davison.

Both teams made extensive changes at half-time and the second period was much less one-sided, although Hornchurch still carved out the better chances and Davison made several good saves to keep them at bay.

Boro were not without their chances and the Hornchurch goalkeeper smothered one effort while Ellis Devereux was denied a shooting chance when well placed only by a timely tackle from Dave Winfield, whom fans will recall turning out for Boro during the Glenn Tamplin era.

Pre-season is more about learning opportunities than results and that continues on Saturday when Boro travel over the river to play Phoenix Sports.