Rovers have been struggling for results in recent weeks, and had not won a match in their last six games. They were also missing a host of defenders for the clash.

However, despite keeping a clean sheet in the reverse match against Hornchurch, they were unable to repeat the feat. Alex Bentley got the first goal of the afternoon after just seven minutes, finishing composedly before the lead was doubled 10 minutes later.

David Knight got the goal and it was another powerful finish. At this point things were looking bleak for the hosts, with George Purcell sending a fierce free-kick just over Adam Seal’s goal.

Knight came close on two further occasions but good goalkeeping and wayward finishing kept Hornchurch at bay.

It was the same story after the break. Purcell crashed an effort off the bar but he didn’t have long to wait for his goal as he made the most of some poor defending to score.

Purcell got a fourth as Rovers continued to struggle, with Bentley getting his second to make it a rotten end of the year for Rovers.