Key Points
- Hornchurch secured a 3–2 away victory over Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South on 26–28 December 2025.
- The local derby at Chigwell Construction Stadium drew an official attendance of 3,679.
- Hornchurch defender Phillips opened the scoring following a delivery from captain Wraight.
- Forward Henry Sandat scored twice for Hornchurch, including a diving header before half-time.
- Dagenham fought back with two goals in the second half but ultimately fell short.
- Goalkeeper Nasta starred for Hornchurch with key saves under pressure.
- The victory moved Hornchurch up in the league table and left Dagenham facing questions about defence and form.
- Match reporting courtesy of Jasper via The Havering Daily (published 1 January 2026).
Hornchurch claimed local bragging rights in a spirited 3–2 win over Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South, capping off an eventful December 2025 for both Essex clubs. The derby clash, reported by Jasper for The Havering Daily, was marked by high energy, intense fan atmosphere, and moments of defensive lapse on both sides.
How did the Dagenham v Hornchurch derby unfold?
According to Jasper’s match report for The Havering Daily (1 January 2026), the fixture at Chigwell Construction Stadium attracted close to 3,700 supporters in a festive yet tense environment. The venue, with a listed capacity of around 6,500, provided a striking backdrop for one of East London’s most anticipated local contests of the winter.
Hornchurch, despite being the visiting side, quickly asserted dominance. From the first whistle, the Urchins’ supporters were vocal, singing “Stand up if you love Hornchurch” as their team controlled possession. Dagenham, on the other hand, appeared sluggish in the opening stages, struggling to close down Hornchurch’s midfield trio.
Defender Phillips broke the deadlock with a sharp volley after a pinpoint delivery from team captain Wraight. As described by Jasper, the Dagenham goalkeeper “looked unsure,” failing to clear under pressure — an early setback for the home team.
What were the key moments in the first half?
As reported in The Havering Daily, Dagenham responded with a promising attack soon after but could not find the target. Hornchurch, meanwhile, continued to push forward with aggression. Midfielder Henry lofted a precise through-ball to forward Henry Sandat, whose strike was well saved by the Dagenham goalkeeper.
Moments later, a skillful turn and cross by veteran forward Weston rattled the bar. The pressure stayed relentless until Hornchurch doubled their lead before the halftime whistle. Jasper detailed the goal vividly: Weston charged down the right wing and curved in a left-footed cross to the far post, where Sandat leapt in with a diving header to make it 2–0.
Hornchurch’s travelling fans celebrated with thunderous applause as their side took control of the game.
How did Dagenham respond after the break?
Dagenham emerged from the dressing room with renewed intent. As noted by Jasper, they began pressing Hornchurch higher up the pitch, trying to exploit spaces in midfield. Their persistence paid off when a long-range effort skipped past the Hornchurch keeper, cutting the deficit to 2–1 around the 55th minute.
However, Hornchurch remained resilient. Goalkeeper Nasta made a crucial save shortly after to deny Dagenham an equaliser — a moment described by Jasper as a “superb stop, one of the key interventions of the match.”
In response, Hornchurch launched a quick counter-attack, and Sandat again found himself in the box, this time finishing coolly to make it 3–1. The two-goal cushion briefly restored rhythm for the Urchins, but Dagenham continued pressing until late in the game.
Did the match end in a tense finish?
Yes. Dagenham pulled one back in the dying minutes through a scrappy goalmouth effort that slipped past Nasta, setting up a frenetic finale. With only minutes remaining, the home crowd urged their side forward, but Hornchurch’s backline held firm. As The Havering Daily’s Jasper noted, the visitors managed to calm the pace with clever possession and game management in added time.
The referee’s final whistle confirmed a 3–2 victory for Hornchurch — their first derby win over Dagenham this season and a fitting close to an impressive December run.
What does this result mean for both teams?
Hornchurch’s win helped solidify their mid-table momentum and hinted at a potential push for the top half of the standings as the 2025–2026 season progressed. Managerial staff celebrated the team’s composure and clinical finishing, praising captain Wraight for leadership and Sandat for his decisive brace.
For Dagenham, the defeat felt like a setback amid inconsistent form since mid-autumn. Despite moments of promise, their defensive lapses proved costly once again — an issue that has dogged them across several recent fixtures.
What did the fans and observers say?
Match-goers described the atmosphere as electric but largely good-natured. Hornchurch supporters filled the away section with chants and banners, while Dagenham fans expressed frustration at missed chances and tactical missteps. Local social media channels, including club forums, reflected mixed emotions — pride in effort, but concern over results.
Football enthusiasts online praised Hornchurch’s tactical shape, with some noting that their compact midfield and pacey front line “outworked Dagenham in every key moment,” echoing Jasper’s remarks in The Havering Daily.
How does this set up the teams for January?
Both Dagenham and Hornchurch close December with contrasting moods. Hornchurch’s morale-boosting win gives them momentum heading into January fixtures, potentially improving their league standing if form continues. Dagenham, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to refine defence, rebuild confidence, and convert opportunities.
According to The Havering Daily’s summary, the match encapsulated everything vibrant about local football: fierce competition, vocal fans, dramatic goals, and community energy — all hallmarks of National League South football heading into the new year.
