Waltham Abbey boss Martin Hayes. Picture: Dave Loveday
Waltham Abbey will be bottom of Isthmian Division One North at Christmas after they were beaten 2-0 at third-placed AFC Hornchurch on Saturday.
However, Martin Hayes' side gave a good account of themselves against the high-fliers.
Urchins keeper Sam Mott was forced into two smart stops from Christian Assombalonga and Yemi Adelani.
The Abbotts would regret those misses four minutes into the second half, though, as George Purcell converted a penalty to put Jimmy McFarlane's men in front.
And Hornchurch rounded the win off when captain Elliot Styles converted following a Joey May free-kick after 63 minutes.
Abbey host Cheshunt on Boxing Day at Capershotts.
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