Behind Enemy Lines: Hornchurch (H) - Season 26/27, Episode 9

🎙️ Behind Enemy Lines: Ep 3 – Hornchurch (H)

Welcome to the latest edition of Behind Enemy Lines! Our opposition preview chats drop on matchday mornings before every weekend and midweek fixture to get you prepped for kick-off.

Ahead of our first-ever meeting with Hornchurch at Brunton Park, Lee is joined by Urchins fan and media journalist Bailey Howard to get the inside track on one of non-league’s great recent success stories.

From lifting the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2021 as an Isthmian League club to surging through the divisions into the National League, Hornchurch have taken Step 1 in their stride, arriving in Cumbria with a perfect six points from six under manager Daryl McMahon.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 🏆 The Fairytale Rise: From 2021 FA Trophy glory to back-to-back promotions, the impact of Daryl McMahon, and ex-Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand joining the coaching staff.
• 🚀 A Dream Start at Step 1: Six points from six against Kidderminster and Barrow, high squad togetherness, and defying the pre-season relegation predictions.
• 👑 The 'Colombian King' & Ex-Blues Link: Former Carlisle attacker Angelo Balanta’s talismanic status down at Bridge Avenue and his influence in the Urchins' attack.
• 🧱 Squad Blueprint: Blending seasoned defensive experience (Ryan Inniss, Joe Kizzi, Sam Ling) with hungry young attacking talent.
• 🏟️ Bridge Avenue to Brunton Park: Ground redevelopment plans, the tight atmosphere at Bridge Avenue, 5:00 AM alarm clocks for a 12:30 PM kick-off, and visiting the Brunton Park Fan Zone.
• 🔮 Match Prediction: Bailey puts his neck on the line with his score prediction for Saturday.

Thanks again to Bailey for joining us and keep an eye out for future Behind Enemy Lines episodes across the campaign!

Host: Lee Rooney (@leerooney)

Guest: Bailey Howard (@BaileyH04019330)

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We’re delighted to be sponsored once again by the Carlisle United Supporters Trust (CUST) for the 2026/27 season.

CUST (originally formed in 2001 as CCUIST and later known as CUOSC) is a democratic, community benefit society holding 10% voting control in CUFC Holdings Ltd and affiliated with the Football Supporters' Association (FSA).

🚍 Away Travel Discount: CUST runs away buses to fixtures throughout the season - with members getting a 10% discount!

🌐 Find out more or join today: www.cust.org.uk | X: @CUFCTrust

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