HORNCHURCH moved 14 points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division standings after a last-gasp 1-0 win against Concord Rangers in midweek.

The Urchins seemed set for a frustrating goalless draw against the Beach Boys on Tuesday until Jack Taylor netted seven minutes into stoppage time.

And Michael O’Donoghue was delighted Daryl McMahon’s side managed to grind out a dramatic late win.

“It was a tough game in difficult conditions and we couldn’t quite get our rhythm going in the first half,” said O’Donoghue.

“But I thought in the second half we were a lot more dominant and deserved to get the win in the end.

“When you start missing some chances you naturally think it might be one of those nights, but we’ve shown many times this season that we will keep pushing right until the end.

“There’s always belief that we will create another chance to score and that’s exactly what we did on Tuesday night.”

Hornchurch, who still have a game in hand on second-placed Chatham Town, have now won 10 of their last 11 matches.

And O’Donoghue is pleased with how consistent the Urchins have been during the current campaign.

“It’s been an incredible season so far," added O’Donoghue.

“Full credit to everyone involved at the club for creating a winning culture and delivering a consistent level of high standards week in, week out.”

However, Hornchurch remain hungry for more – starting with a busy Easter weekend.

The Urchins host fifth-placed Wingate & Finchley on Saturday before heading to 17th-placed Canvey Island on Bank Holiday Monday.

And O’Donoghue is looking forward to another two games in quick succession.

“It’s a very important weekend ahead, for sure,” said O’Donoghue.

“We know how close we are to achieving what we wanted at the start of the season, but it’s essential to take one game at a time.

“It’s all about recovering from Tuesday night and preparing well for what we expect to be another tough game against Wingate on Saturday.”

Wingate & Finchley also have plenty to play for this weekend and currently occupy the final play-off position.

They are two points clear of sixth-placed Dulwich Hamlet with a game in hand, but let slip a two-goal lead slip in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at Bognor Regis Town.

Anointed Chukwu put Wingate in front from the penalty spot, before Mathew Achuba doubled the visitors’ lead seven minutes before the break.

But a brace from Dan Gifford saw Bognor Regis fight back to secure a share of the spoils.

Wingate will now look to get back to winning ways against Hornchurch and stop their hosts edging closer towards the title and a place in National League South next season.