Hornchurch secured a 2-0 victory over Eastleigh on Sunday, with goals from Dom Poleon and Jack Baldwin ensuring a clean sheet for the home side. The win came as a timely boost for Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon, who marked his 43rd birthday with the result at their ground.

The match started with Eastleigh, nicknamed the Spitfires, showing early intent. Aaron Blair nearly opened the scoring with a shot from inside the box that narrowly missed the target. Hornchurch responded through Poleon, whose attempted drive was initially blocked before Henry Sandat fired over the bar.

Hornchurch took the lead in the 25th minute when Will Greenidge delivered a sweeping ball to Poleon on the wing. The striker cut inside and fired a powerful shot past Eastleigh goalkeeper Nick Townsend into the corner of the net. The home side narrowly avoided conceding a late first-half goal when Eastleigh was awarded a free kick in stoppage time, but Jake Caprice’s effort sailed over the bar.

The second half saw Hornchurch maintain pressure as Poleon created several opportunities, including a well-worked move involving substitutes Ryan Loft and Charlie Pegrum, though Townsend made a key save to deny the striker’s curling shot. Eastleigh’s substitutes also threatened, with Will Randall heading a cross that was deflected over by Frankie Edwards.

Hornchurch doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute through Baldwin, who connected strongly with a corner from Alfie Massey and powered a header past Townsend at the near post. Poleon continued to test the Eastleigh defense but was unable to extend the lead further. Late chances for Hornchurch included a shot from substitute Angelo Balanta that struck the post, with fellow substitute Myles Weston unable to convert the rebound.

Hornchurch’s defensive resilience underpinned the victory, marking another clean sheet at home and a professional team performance highlighted by the blend of experience and youth. Manager McMahon praised the commitment and hard work of his squad, noting Poleon’s recent form and leadership amid a lineup featuring six players aged 21 or younger. Attendance for the match was recorded at 1,143, with Neil Hair officiating.