Hartlepool vs Hornchurch

Hornchurch - Who Are Ya?

1923
Initial origin: they were formed as Upminster Wanderers

1952
Moved to their ground at Bridge Avenue

1974
Elected to the Isthmian League

2005
Reformed as AFC Hornchurch

2021
FA Trophy Winners

2024
Won promotion to the National League South

2026
National League South Play-off Winners

History of the teams’ meetings

With Hartlepool’s time in the EFL, and Hornchurch’s recent rise to the National League, the two sides have never actually played against each other.

Fun Facts

Nicknamed the Monkey Hangers due to a 19th-century tale. Following the wreckage of a French ship, the sole survivor, a monkey, was put on trial and eventually found guilty as a French spy. As a result, they were sentenced to death by hanging, which has led to the term being embraced. 

Of their last 12 seasons, Hartlepool have finished in the top 10 just twice, one of which was last season, showing they are on an upward trajectory.

Despite a 96-year tenure in the Football League, it was never plain sailing. They registered five consecutive applications for re-election, which led to them remaining.

Player Profiles - Hartlepool

Chris Popov

Popov was a brilliant goalscorer at youth level, spending time at Manchester United and Leicester City’s academies. He also represented Welsh youth teams on several occasions, most recently appearing last year.

After being released by Leicester, he made the move up north to Hartlepool. Popov has decent experience of the league from his time at Morecambe last year. He will be hoping to make use of this during his time with the Monkey Hangers.

Jamie Miley

A Newcastle United academy graduate, local lad Jamie Miley remains in the north east now as a regular for Hartlepool United. 

Miley is also the brother of Lewis, who is a Magpies regular, having also progressed through their youth system.

Player Profiles - Hornchurch

Joseph Kizzi

For a newly promoted team, especially via the play-offs, Hornchurch have made a strong start to life in the National League. The contributions from  Joseph Kizzi certainly rank high among the reasons for this success.

Kizzi, who is interestingly a right-back, has already scored three goals this season, which is  particularly impressive. Even outside of this, his side has kept plenty of clean sheets, further emphasising his quality.

Arthur Nasta

Hornchurch’s number one and for good reason. Arthur Nasta joined the club on loan from Wolves last season. He helped the Urchins win promotion, playing over 50 games across the whole season.

Following the triumph, he’s now made the permanent move to Hornchurch, playing in all of their opening league fixtures. It seems like last season’s success has already transitioned into the fifth tier, as Nasta and the backline have continued to keep clean sheets.