Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
AFC Hornchurch beat Millwall U21 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at Bridge Avenue, with Henry Hearn scoring twice and Nathan Ferguson adding a third.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Hornchurch created the first clear chance inside seven minutes when George Alexander latched onto a through ball, but his low shot drifted wide of the far post. Millwall responded through Louis Jacome, whose effort from distance was comfortably held by Rhys Byrne on ten minutes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Myles Weston was brought down inside the area, and Hearn stepped up to send the penalty low to the goalkeeper's left, 1-0.
Alexander went close again shortly after, steering another effort just beyond the post. Just before half-time, Byrne's long clearance released Angelo Balanta, but the veteran forward's attempted lob cleared the crossbar as Hornchurch took a 1-0 lead into the break.
The Turning Point
Millwall started the second half with real intent and Byrne was forced into an excellent close-range save within minutes of the restart. But Hornchurch weathered the pressure and doubled their lead on the hour mark through a well-worked move. Balanta delivered an inviting cross from the right, and Hearn arrived to turn the ball home from close range for his second of the night, 2-0.
That goal effectively ended Millwall's resistance. McMahon made wholesale changes immediately after, with only Byrne and Makai Welch remaining on the pitch as the Urchins rotated heavily.
Key Performers
Henry Hearn — The Millwall loanee scored twice against his parent club's Under-21 side, converting a cool first-half penalty and arriving at the far post to finish Balanta's cross. A composed, match-winning display.
Angelo Balanta — The experienced forward caused problems throughout, providing the assist for Hearn's second with an excellent cross and forcing a clearance off the line with a lobbed effort just before the break.
Rhys Byrne — The Hornchurch goalkeeper made crucial saves at 1-0, including a sharp stop from close range early in the second half that kept Millwall from equalising.
Nathan Ferguson — The substitute sealed the victory in the 69th minute, running onto Dominic Poleon's unselfish square pass and powering home from 12 yards, 3-0.
By The Numbers
Hornchurch's 3-0 scoreline reflected a clinical edge in front of goal — three goals from three clear-cut chances. Millwall had spells of possession, particularly in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but failed to convert when it mattered. The clean sheet was Hornchurch's second in three pre-season friendlies, suggesting defensive solidity as they build towards competitive action.
What It Means
Hornchurch continue their unbeaten pre-season ahead of their debut National League campaign, with another friendly scheduled against Norwich City U21s at Bridge Avenue on Saturday 18 July (15:00 kick-off). For Millwall U21, this was a useful workout against senior opposition as they prepare for their own development season.
Verdict
A thoroughly professional pre-season performance from Hornchurch. Clinical in attack, solid at the back, and able to rotate the squad without losing momentum. The early signs for McMahon's side ahead of National League football are encouraging.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 15 Jul 2026