Horsham Independent Supporters' Club) Who Have Kindly Agreed to Sponsor This Match, with Richard Eastwood Supplying the Matchball

rane our first game until we have tried and tested all aspects of facility from playing on the pitches to pouring a pint in the bar and ensuring there is hot water in the showers. This in itself will take time but get ready to move home games from Lancing by around mid season. I can't wait !!

HORSHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

FOUNDED 1881

Major honours West Sussex Football

League

1899-90, 1900-1, 1925-6 Sussex County League 1931-2, 1932-3, 1933-4, 1935-6, 1936-7, 1937-8,

1946-7 Main sponsor Southern Combination Football League 2015-16

Sussex RUR Cup 1900, 1931, 1932, 1934 Programme sponsor (Jt), 1935, 1936,1937, 1938 (Jt), 1946, 1949 (Jt), 1951,1952, 1957 Sussex Floodlight Cup 1977-8, 2001-2 Sussex Senior Cup 1934-5, 1938-9, 1949-50, 1953-4, 1971-2, 1973-4, 1975-6 Match sponsor FA Cup 1st Round 1947-8, 1966-7 Horsham FA Cup 2nd Round

Independent 2007-8 Supporters' Metropolitan League Club 1951-2 Athenian League Division Two 1969-70 Athenian League Division One 1972-3 Isthmian League Division Three 1995-6 Cover photo by John Lines

Directors: Kevin Borrett (Chairman), John Lines (CEO), Mark Butler (Finance) David Hillier, Paul Osborn (Commercial), Jeff Barrett James Clewlow (Legal Advisor and Company Secretary)

Club Committee: The above plus: Sean Bravery (chairman), Annie Raby, Mark Wells, Sam Borrett, Jeanie Charman, Roger Charman, Joe Clarke, Ray Farrell, Howard Frogley, Nigel Smithers, Matt Dale, Mark Barrett, Jack Everley, Shaun Scott, Matt Jones, Ian Burlinson, Ian Dunscombe HORSHAM FOOTBALL Club Secretary CLUB Jeff Barrett 07712 888980 Email: [email protected] FOUNDED 1881 Youth Secretary & Child Welfare Officer:

Annie Raby 07800 922442 Email: [email protected] U23 secretary: Shaun Scott Email: [email protected] MAJOR HONOURS Health & Safety Officer: Roger Charman West Sussex Football Press officer: Matt Jones Email: [email protected] League Programme: Mark Wells 1899-90, 1900-1, 1925-6 Website: Mark Wells & Matt Dale Sussex County League Commercial: Paul Osborn Email:[email protected] Matchday advertising: Jonathan Kenworthy Email: [email protected] 1931-2, 1932-3, 1933-4, 1935-6, 1936-7, 1937-8, Vice Presidents: 1946-7 S.Bravery, Mrs J Brittain, G Brittain, J.Dale, T.Dickinson, D.Duffield Metropolitan League Mrs J.Mallard, W.Mitchell, D.Rick, J.Smyth, E.Stephens, Howie the Hornet 1951-2 Athenian League Life Members: Division Two Jeff Barrett, Roger Charman, Clive Edwards, Howard Frogley, Adam Hammond, Maureen 1969-70 Smith, Nigel Smithers, Ted Streeter, Eric Wright, Miss Joan Young, Annie Raby, Ivan Raby, Mark Wells, John Lines, David Hillier, Jeanie Charman Athenian League Trustees: A.Baker, D.Burstow, C.Edwards, Division One 1972-3 FOOTBALL Isthmian League 1st team manager: Dominic Di Paola Division Three 1st team assistant manager: Adam Westwood 1995-6 1st team coach: Jimmy Punter Goalkeeping coach: Stuart Owens Southern Combination Physio: Stephanie Apps Football League Kit man: Darren Etheridge 2015-16 `U23 manager: Mark Hawthorne Coach: Sam Jones Sussex RUR Cup U16 manager: Dixie Laker Coaches: Christian Williams, Danny Fuller, Paul Brown 1900, 1931, 1932, 1934 U15 Amber manager: Tony Massimo Coach: Steve Bridle (Jt), 1935, 1936,1937, U15 Green manager: Ian Scott Coach: Rob Carter, John Symonds U14 manager: Alex Bethell Coaches: Lee Maguire, Ross Butterfill 1938 (Jt), 1946, 1949 (Jt), U13 manager: Ben Pugh Coach: Matthew Ayling 1951,1952, 1957 U12 manager: Sam Jones Coach Matt Robinson Sussex Floodlight Cup U11 manager: Barry Ashton Coaches: Jason Grubb, Graham Duvergier 1977-8, 2001-2 Sussex Senior Cup

1934-5, 1938-9, 1949-50, 1953-4, 1971-2, 1973-4, 1975-6 The Isthmian Football League and Horsham FC strongly support the FA FA Cup 1st Round statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism 1947-8, 1966-7 and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly, any forms of discriminatory FA Cup 2nd Round abuse, whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, 2007-8 gender, faith, age, ability or other form of abuse will be reported to the Website Football Association for action by that association. www.horshamfc.co.uk

GROUND REGULATIONS BetVictor Isthmian Premier Division Spectators may not bring the following into the ground: musical instruments, drums, klaxons, P W D L F A Pts air horns, whistles, fireworks, smoke bombs, 1 Folkestone Invicta 12 9 2 1 24 11 29 flares, glass bottles/containers, tin cans or any object that may be deemed to be dangerous. 2 Hornchurch 11 8 1 2 26 7 25 Spectators may not bring alcohol or food and 3 Horsham 12 7 3 2 20 10 24 drink into the ground. Spectators must, if required, submit themselves to be searched 4 Enfield Town 10 7 2 1 24 12 23 in order that the club can prevent any prohibited 5 East Thurrock United 12 7 1 4 22 16 22 items from being brought into the ground. The club reserves the right to eject from the ground 6 Haringey Borough 10 6 1 3 14 8 19 and prosecute any person who has: 7 Worthing 10 6 1 3 22 20 19 a) Failed to comply with an instruction given by or club official, steward or police officer 8 Carshalton Athletic 11 5 3 3 18 17 18 b) Thrown missiles of any description 9 Cray Wanderers 11 4 5 2 21 16 17 c) Encroached onto the playing area d) Made obscene, racist or insulting gestures or 10 Potters Bar Town 10 4 4 2 20 14 16 used obscene, racist or insulting language 11 Margate 10 3 3 4 13 14 12 e) Used violence of any nature f) Climbed on any building, wall, fence or 12 Leatherhead 11 3 3 5 20 23 12 floodlight equipment 13 Bishop's Stortford 10 4 0 6 15 26 12 g) Defaced or committed any act of vandalism against Horsham Football Club 14 Kingstonian 10 2 5 3 9 14 11 h) Taken glasses or glass bottles outside the 15 Bognor Regis Town 10 3 1 6 15 19 10 clubhouse building 16 Merstham 11 3 1 7 12 18 10 The following are not allowed in the ground 17 Cheshunt 12 3 1 8 13 22 10 under any circumstances: 18 Lewes 10 2 3 5 13 18 9 • Ball games, scooters, skateboards etc. 19 Brightlingsea Regent 12 2 3 7 11 24 9 20 Bowers & Pitsea 9 2 2 5 10 13 8

21 Wingate & Finchley 10 1 4 5 6 18 7 IMPORTANT 22 Corinthian-Casuals 10 0 3 7 5 13 3 Horsham FC does not accept any liability for any injury to or claims of any kind from, spectators arising from incidents either within the ground or its precincts. All spectators must remain behind the pitch barrier at all times. All vehicles are parked in the car park at the P W D L F A Pts owner’s risk and the Horsham Football Club accepts no liability for any losses or damage to 1 Folkestone Invicta 5 4 1 0 13 5 13 vehicles of any kind. 2 Haringey Borough 5 4 0 1 10 4 12

3 Hornchurch 5 3 1 1 13 4 10 4 East Thurrock United 5 3 0 2 11 8 9

5 Carshalton Athletic 5 3 0 2 9 8 9

6 Horsham 4 2 2 0 8 3 8 7 Enfield Town 5 2 2 1 11 8 8 October 200 Club results 8 If Bowersyou would & Pitsea like to take part in4 our 2popular 1 1 monthly 8 6 draw7 1. David Hempstead No.109 £100 9 forPotters just £2.50Bar Town per month, and 5stand 2 a chance1 2 8of winning9 7 2. Tim Harrison No.104 £ 40 up to £300, or would like to take additional numbers, 3. Mark Butler No. 38 £ 20 10 Mersthamplease speak to a club5 official 2 or1 visit2 our5 website6 7 11 Margate www.horshamfc.co.uk/2005 1 3 -club1 9 for d8etails 6 12 Bishop's Stortford 4 2 0 2 8 10 6 13 Worthing 4 2 0 2 6 9 6 Greetings

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to The Camping World Community Stadium for today's BetVictor Isthmian League Premier Division clash with Merstham. To those of you making your first visit to our new ground, especially those who have made the short trip across the Sussex/Surrey border in support of the Moatsiders, we hope you enjoy your brief stay with us and make full use of the facilities on offer. If there is anything we can help you with, don't hesitate to ask a club official.

Having taken over the leadership of the division with victory over Hornchurch here a fortnight ago, cemented by the thrilling 2-2 midweek draw with Carshalton Athletic, we were then deposed by former leaders Folkestone Invicta at the weekend when we went down to a surprise 2-0 loss at Bishop's Stortford. Defeats are part and parcel of the game of course but, having lost just once in the league so far, few would have predicted our defeat to a side that had previously lost five on the spin. It's true that luck was against us, with Charlie and Kieron both hitting the woodwork, but it's also fair to say that we weren't at our best on a wet and miserable afternoon in Hertfordshire and we will be looking to bounce back to winning ways against a Merstham side who enjoyed their best-ever campaign last season, finishing in fifth place only to be defeated by Tonbridge Angels in the play-off final. However, they are currently enduring a poor run, having lost their last four and on Tuesday night, despite taking an early lead, they went down 2-1 at home to Cray Wanderers to make it 5 defeats from 6 at Moatside. Yet we can take nothing for granted and will need to be on top of our game if we are to celebrate the winning of three points come 5 o'clock.

Merstham were one of six Premier Division clubs to record their best league attendance of the season on Saturday, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Non-League Day, a number that would no doubt have been bettered had the soggy conditions not confined many to the comfort of their living rooms. But while we welcome the positive exposure clubs outside the top four divisions received last weekend, one wholly unwelcome feature to rear its ugly head again this week was that of racism. England's Euro 2020 qualifying tie in Bulgaria came under threat of abandonment due to the unsavoury chants from a number of home supporters towards England's non-white players and Horsham Football Club shares in the outrage felt by everyone at this outdated behaviour. At Horsham, as I'm sure at every other club across the country, we wholeheartedly support inclusivity and do not condone any form of racist, homophobic or sexist abuse or anti-social behaviour of any kind.

We are back here again on Tuesday when we host last season's Division One South East champions Cray Wanderers. We enjoyed a terrific 4-2 success over the Wands in last season's corresponding fixture and this match promises to be just as enthralling, with Wands matches averaging almost 3.5 goals so far this season. Kick-off is 7.45pm. After that, we face back-to-back trips to North London's White Hart Lane, not to play the Spurs (although given their current form, that might have been an interesting prospect) but Haringey Borough who we face first in the 2nd qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy and then the league, 7 days later. The club will be running a coach to both of these matches, departing from the Park & Ride at 11am, at the regular fare of £13. To book your place, contact [email protected] or call 01403 458854. Should the FA Trophy tie end in a draw, the replay will take place here on Tuesday 26th October, kick-off 7.30pm. We have been drawn away to Newhaven in the 2nd round of the Parafix Sussex Senior Cup, to be played on Wednesday 6th November, kick-off 7.45pm.

This afternoon we are delighted to welcome members of HISC (Horsham Independent Supporters' Club) who have kindly agreed to sponsor this match, with Richard Eastwood supplying the matchball. We thank them all for their generosity and hope they enjoy their afternoon. HISC representatives will be announcing their Man of the Match award at the end of the game as part of the full sponsorship package, that includes free admission for two people, a car parking space, signed match programmes, boardroom hospitality, website and regular PA acknowledgement throughout the game. If that sounds like something you or your company would like to get involved in, then please send an email to [email protected] for further information. At the time of writing, just two matches remain unsponsored (versus East Thurrock United and Haringey Borough) so be quick! Matchball sponsorship, at just £30, is still available for six matches – see fixture page for details.

We are holding a bucket collection today in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, the official charity partner of Non- league Day, and would ask that you give generously to help aid ongoing research into this awful disease that claims the life of one man every 45 minutes. - Mark

From the boss

It's been quite a start to the season; topping the table, beating some of the more fancied sides and picking up two League awards. No-one would have expected that! One thing that didn't come as a major surprise, though, was Saturday's defeat at Bishop's Stortford. You could see it coming as we didn't play well at Cheshunt, Corinthian-Casuals or against Carshalton, although we were excellent against Hornchurch. Although we dominated possession, we were well below-par and didn't really do doing anything with it. We hit the post twice and had one of them gone in then who knows, but Bishop's Stortford are nowhere near as bad as their position suggests. Jordan Chiedozie, Shomari Barnwell and Ryan Charles are a handful and three or four of their backs were in the Heybridge side that got to the play-offs last season. But the biggest factor was them getting a new manager as we knew the players would up their game for him. It happened for us when we were at Hastings. We played Guernsey in our first game, they were third at the time I think, and we beat them 4-1 so we had an idea it might happen. I wasn't disappointed and, to be fair, I haven't been particularly disappointed all season. Their second goal came when we had gambled a bit to get the equaliser, like we did against Dartford, but things will level out over the season. We probably didn't deserve to beat Corinthian-Casuals so that was one we should have lost and perhaps Saturday was one we should have won.

We've been without Lea Dawson, Kieran Lavery and Will Miles for the last few games and although Lea is now back, and we're hoping Lavs is okay after having a cortisone injection in his heel to deal with an ongoing issue he's had this season, we've got to be careful with Will. He suffers a lot from injuries and, in my opinion, that's the only thing that's stopped him from playing much higher up the leagues. He's struggling with his groin at the moment, which is his third different injury since pre-season, but although we miss him when he's not in the team, we can't rush him back. To be honest, I think we have to take a bit of the blame when we played him against Hornchurch as he was a bit stiff from the Corinthian-Casuals game. He wants to play every game but we've got to make sure we manage him properly. We've got two more than able deputies in Biff and Dylan so there's no pressure to bring him back early.

We've been drawn away to Haringey Borough in the FA Trophy draw, which is a horror show! It couldn't come any tougher than an away game against one of the best sides in our league, who've had a terrific cup record in the last two seasons. I'm not best pleased with our luck in the cups this year but it is what it is. It's an odd one as we have to go up there the following week in the league, too, and if the Trophy game goes to a replay that would be three times in seven days that we play them, which would be nuts! Both games are important because there's decent money to be had in the Trophy this year and we obviously want to get as many points on the board as we can so although Haringey will be massive favourites, we'll be going out to try and win both games. We've even been given a bad draw in the Senior Cup. We were listening to it on the way back from Bishop's Stortford and we said all we wanted is a home game so to have to go down to Newhaven midweek was probably as tough as it gets as most of our lads live north of Horsham so it'll be like going down to Ramsgate for them! Newhaven are also in decent form and they'll see us as a bit of a scalp so it'll be another tricky one for us.

Today we come up against a Merstham side in very much the same sort of run as Bishop's Stortford were. They've not won in four games but I went to watch them at Cray on Tuesday night and they didn't look out of place against a very good Cray side. Ellis Brown and Yannick Monga are extremely quick, Omar Folkes is a known goalscorer and Sinn'Kaye Christie and James Richmond are no slouches at the back. Against one of the best forward lines in the league on Tuesday, they weren't really troubled by them so it'll be an awkward game.

Since our last home match, Scott Kirkwood has joined Burgess Hill with a view to a permanent move and I would like to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks for what he did for the club during his time with us. Players like him, Steve Metcalf, Scott Harris, Al Duncan, Darren Boswell, Charlie Farmer, Adam Hunt and two or three others pretty much kept us in Ryman South for those difficult first couple of years and their contribution should not be forgotten in helping us get to where we are today. Kirky never gave anything less than 100% and was one of the unsung heroes who never really had any real success with us and I'm just sorry that he wasn't fit enough to get some of the glory of last season.

Thanks for your support

Dom

BetVictor Isthmian League Premier Division round-up

October 8th Since the visit of Hornchurch here a fortnight ago, the lead at the top of Horsham 2 Carshalton Athletic 2 the Premier Division table has changed hands three times. Our victory over the Urchins that day enabled us to leapfrog the Essex side to take October 12th over at the summit, a position we retained through our midweek draw Bishop's Stortford 2 Horsham 0 with Carshalton Athletic, until our surprise defeat at struggling Bishop's Bognor Regis Town 0 Potters Bar 4 Stortford last Saturday saw us deposed by former table-toppers Brightlingsea 1 Wingate & Finchley 1 Folkestone Invicta, for whom Kieron McCann scored the only goal of Carshalton Athletic 2 Kingstonian 2 a hard-fought victory at Corinthian-Casuals. A stoppage time header Cheshunt 1 Worthing 2 by Matt Johnson earned Hornchurch all three points at home to Corinthian-Casuals 0 Folkestone Inv. 1 Bowers & Pitsea, whose Max Cornhill had put the visitors ahead on Cray Wanderers 3 Enfield Town 5 the stroke of half-time only for Chris Dickson to level things up from the East Thurrock United 1 Lewes 0 spot on 68 minutes. Haringey Borough 1 Margate 0 Hornchurch 2 Bowers & Pitsea 1 That victory sent the Hornets down to 3rd spot, one point clear of Enfield Merstham 1 Leatherhead 4 Town who produced a terrific performance away to Cray Wanderers. Mo Faal gave Town the perfect start, scoring inside the opening minute, th Tuesday 15 October but Joe Taylor's 13th goal of the season restored parity just minutes Folkestone Invicta 4 Cheshunt 2 later. Faal put the visitors back in front, shortly before half-time, with Merstham 1 Cray Wanderers 2 Enfield going on to score three more in the second half courtesy of a

Today's fixtures Ken Charles brace and one from Joe Payne. Cray made a spirited Enfield Town v Cheshunt response but could only manage goals from Tom Murphy and Jay Folkestone Invicta v Bognor Regis Leader to leave the final score 5-3 to the visitors. There were rather less Horsham v Merstham thrills at the newly-christened Grayers Graphics Stadium where hosts Leatherhead v Hornchurch East Thurrock United saw off Lewes, thanks to a solitary Mitchell Lewes v Cray Wanderers Gilbey goal, and it was a similar story at Haringey Borough as they Worthing v Brightlingsea Regent limbered up for today's FA Cup tie with Yeovil Town by beating Margate 1-0, Romoluwa Akinola getting the decisive goal right on half-time.

Worthing were one of five teams to register away wins on Saturday, as two Lloyd Dawes goals cancelled out on loan Dulwich forward Dipo Akinyemi's opener for Cheshunt and Ben Ward-Cochrane went one better by scoring a hat-trick as Potters Bar Town trounced Bognor Regis Town 4-0 with all the goals coming in the second half in front of the Rocks' disbelieving fans. The match was one to forget for Bognor goalkeeper Myles Roberts, playing his first match on loan from Reading, who was responsible for two of the visitors' goals before Thomas Gogo rubbed further salt into the wounds by scoring a fourth in the final minute. Leatherhead also hit four goals on their travels, to see off today's opponents Merstham. Ibrahim Olutade and Tommy Wood scored to give the Tanners a two goal cushion and, although Omar Folkes reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, Travis Gregory's near- instant reply restored the visitors' advantage before the break. Simon Mensah made it 4-1 before an hour had been played and it would have been even worse for the Moatsiders had Eddie Dsane not contrived to miss a late spot-kick!

Carshalton Athletic recorded their second successive 2-2 draw but had to do it the hard way, coming back from two goals down at home to Kingstonian. Louie Theophanous gave the Ks the lead with a 35 yard drive, with Reece Hall doubling their lead in the second half, but two goals in seven minutes earned the Robins a share of the points. Danny Dudley started the fightback with a long-ranger of his own that skipped off the turf and into the net and then leading scorer Ricky Korboa pounced to net the equaliser with a quarter of an hour remaining. Neither struggling Brightlingsea Regent nor Wingate & Finchley did their chances of climbing away from the lower reaches of the table much good when they battled out a 1-1 draw at the former's Taydal Stadium. The visitors went ahead on 13 minutes through Eoin McKeown and it looked like they would move above their hosts until Billy Hunt levelled things up with just five minutes left to play. There was still time for Wingate's Luke Ifil to grab the headlines – and the points – but his 88th minute volley struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down on the goal-line before being cleared.

On Tuesday night, Folkestone Invicta moved 4 points clear at the top with a come-from-behind win against Cheshunt. Ira Jackson put the hosts in front with his 8th goal of the season but the Ambers hit back with two goals in as many minutes from Freddy Moncur and Mo Camara to lead at the break. Jerson Dos Santos drew the sides level on 58 minutes, with Invicta adding further goals from Josh Vincent and Alfie Paxman. Merstham might have been hopeful of collecting their first home win since August when Yannick Monga gave them the lead after just 4 minutes in their match with Cray Wanderers but in-form Joe Taylor soon levelled and Bradley Pritchard netted the Wands' winner, just before the hour mark.

Match summaries th Tuesday 8 October Horsham 2 Carshalton Athletic 2 (Isthmian League Premier Division) Att 556 Carshalton began dangerously, with Christie Pattisson latching on to a through ball and smashing in a shot which George Bentley did well to palm away. Just after, Pattisson's pace earned his side a free-kick from which Jordan Cheadle's thundering shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Bentley and behind for a corner. Charlie Harris went close with a trademark thunderbolt, 25 yards from goal, that the Robins' Kieron Perntreoy managed to palm away to safety and, moments later, Harris tested the keeper again from distance, and again Perntreoy saved well. Another chance came the way of the visitors when their in-form striker, Ricky Korboa, forced Bentley into a smart save at his near post and Omar Koroma was frustrated to see a headed 'goal' ruled out for a push. The Robins' bright start was finally rewarded on 36 minutes when Alex Kelly's trip on Tommy Bradford gave Koroma the opportunity to put his side ahead, adeptly beating Bentley from the penalty spot. But Horsham were not behind for long and two goals in the space of three minutes turned the game completely on its head. The equaliser came when Harvey Sparks' deep cross eventually dropped for Chris Smith who smashed it into the net and the visitors had little chance to digest that setback before Harris cut onto his left foot and scored with a fine low drive.

Carshalton made two substitutions at the start of the second half and they emerged re-energised, enjoying a period of dominance without unduly troubling the composed home defence. Korboa was becoming more of a threat and he bent one effort just off target. As the game progressed into the last 20 minutes, the visitors' pressure finally told in the 77th minute when Korboa flew past Sparks and put in a low cross that Bentley could only push into the path of Robins skipper Bobby Price, who made no mistake from close range. Bentley was then forced to make a good stop from Korboa but it was not all one-way traffic and, with the game now stretched, a Horsham counter-attack saw the unmarked Kieron Pamment shoot high over the bar before Perntreoy made a great save from Harris in the dying minutes. Cheadle was dismissed for a second booking late on but there was insufficient time for the Hornets to take advantage of the extra man.

Horsham: Josh James, Harry Mills, Harvey Sparks, Alex Kelly, Joe Shelley, Dylan Merchant, Rob O'Toole, George Hayward (Jack Brivio), Chris Smith (Zack Newton), Charlie Harris, Kieron Pamment (Steve Metcalf)

Saturday 12th October Bishop's Stortford 2 Horsham 0 (Isthmian League Premier Division) Att 302 Horsham's second league loss of the campaign brought an end to their brief stay at the top of the table on a wet and miserable afternoon in Hertfordshire. Both sides went close early on, with Shomari Barnwell blazing an effort over the crossbar and Smith responding with an attempted lob that was comfortably cut out by home goalkeeper Fred Burbidge. The Hornets were grateful to September’s Golden Gloves winner, Bentley, from keeping them on terms when he came out quickly to smother an effort by Barnwell, who had been put through by Chiedozie, and then Rob O’Toole had a couple of chances to break the deadlock. The first, from a Harris free-kick, resulted in an underhit shot that went straight at Burbidge, and the second, an acrobatic volley from a measured Harris chip, flew high over the bar. There were a couple of let-offs for the visitors, when a Barnwell header dropped just wide of the goal and Mark Haines put another header wide from a Ben Sampayo cross, but Harris went closer than anyone to finding the net in the closing moments of the first half when he put a shot against the post and could then only head the rebound straight into Burbidge’s hands.

The second half took a while to catch fire, with an ambitious long range strike by Harris too high to trouble the home ‘keeper, while Bentley was called into action to palm away a powerfully-struck attempt by Barnwell. Harris tested Burbidge with an awkwardly-bouncing free-kick that was pushed away, just after the hour, and the Hornets suffered more misfortune when a low cross by Sparks was turned against the far post by the stretching Pamment. Having survived their second close shave, perhaps it was inevitable that the Blues would make the most of their luck by edging ahead on 73 minutes when Ryan Charles sent in a corner that was met by the head of Chiedozie to divert the ball past Bentley and into the net. Charles then had the chance to double the lead but put the ball just wide from a narrow angle, with the sliding Barnwell unable to make a telling contact. However, the hosts made no mistake, and wrapped up the three points, when Charles picked out Mycroft-Edwards who timed his run to perfection to beat Bentley at the far post. The Hornets fashioned two chances in stoppage time, with Zack Newton’s angled drive comfortably saved by Burbidge and Pamment forcing the former Boreham Wood stopper into a sprawling save.

Horsham: George Bentley, Harry Mills (Kieran Lavery), Harvey Sparks, Alex Kelly, Joe Shelley, Dylan Merchant, Rob O'Toole (Lee Harding), Jack Brivio, Chris Smith, Charlie Harris, Kieron Pamment (Zack Newton)

Introducing

MERSTHAM

The first five years of Merstham FC's history is unclear although it is known that by 1897 the club were founder members of the Redhill & District League, becoming an affiliate of the Surrey FA in 1904. It was not until the early 1920s that the club moved to its present location in Albury Road, with its first major success coming with a league title win in 1927. In 1930 the East Surrey Junior Cup was added and, in 1935 and 1936, Merstham won back-to-back Redhill League Premier Division titles; a record later repeated in 1950 and 1951. It was at this time that the decision to apply for intermediate status was taken and Merstham FC was duly accepted into the Eastern Section of the Surrey Intermediate League. The move to the new league paid instant dividends as Merstham claimed the title at their first attempt.

Merstham continued to play in the Surrey Intermediate League until they gained senior status in 1964 and joined the Surrey Senior League. In a fourteen year phase in the Surrey Senior League, they managed to win the title only once, in 1971/72. In 1978 they again switched leagues, joining the London Spartan League and attaining a creditable third in their first two seasons. Those first two seasons proved to be amongst the club’s best as, in addition to their pleasing league positions, they also claimed the Surrey Senior Charity Cup, the London Spartan League Challenge Cup, and the East Surrey Charities Cup. By 1984/85, travelling involved in the Spartan League was proving a drain on the club’s resources and they applied to join the Combined Counties League, finishing as runners-up in 1987/88. The following year proved to be the club’s best season in senior football as they reached the fourth round of the FA Vase, won the Dan Air Class Elite Cup, and finishing second to Chipstead in the league by a single point.

The 1990/91 season saw the erection of floodlights at the Weldon Way ground and an official ‘Floodlight Opener’ against Crystal Palace, whose side included current England manager Gareth Southgate. The 1990s saw Merstham generally settle for mid-table anonymity, peaking at 4th in 1992/93 and 1995/96. The 2002/03 season brought AFC Wimbledon into the league and their visit to Merstham attracted a then club record attendance of 1,582 fans. Silverware returned to the club in 2004/05 when they beat AFC Guildford (now Guildford City) in the final of the Premier Challenge Cup and they also won the East Surrey Hospitals Charity, defeating Redhill in the final. A best campaign for twenty years followed in 2005/06 that saw them beaten finalists in the Premier Challenge Cup and ESHCC and runners up in the Combined Counties Premier Division but they were denied promotion to the Isthmian League because their stand was delivered two weeks late. Many of the players moved on during the close season so, for the 2006/07 season, manager Mick Sullivan, along with two new assistants Micky Stratford and Rhys Williams, had to form a new line-up. However, despite the upheaval in the club, and against many of the beliefs of management and supporters alike, Merstham surpassed expectations by finishing second in the league but this time with the added bonus of winning the Premier Challenge Cup and scoring their highest tally of goals in living memory - a fantastic 100! The Southern Combination Cup was shared between Merstham and Staines Lammas when a fixture date for the final could not be agreed. The final of the ESHCC against Redhill at Kiln Brow was put off until the start of the 2007/08 season when Merstham won 3-2. All in all it was an excellent and record-breaking season for the club for which Sullivan has gone down in the history of Merstham FC as their most successful manager to date.

However, when many thought Merstham may have peaked, the 2007/08 season brought the club into a new era with a treble-winning side, a fantastic run in the FA Vase, and promotion to the Ryman-sponsored Isthmian League South Division as they finally finished top of the league after two seasons as runners-up. Despite losing on the opening day of the season, Merstham went undefeated in the league for the rest of the season, winning 35 times and drawing six for a total of 111 points and 114 goals with Kevin Lock and Kwabena Agyei scoring 53 between them. The dream of a Wembley final in the FA Vase fell at the quarter- final stage but they successfully defended the Premier Challenge Cup, with the icing on the cake coming when Merstham were re-instated into Surrey Senior Cup after Tooting & Mitcham and Kingstonian were removed for fielding ineligible players and went on to defeat Whyteleafe in the final.

With promotion officially confirmed on 14th May 2008, Merstham left behind them the many friends they had made during the 24 seasons they spent in the Combined Counties League but with the hope of not returning. Merstham’s first season in the Ryman League Division One South saw them confound popular opinion by finishing in a very creditable eighth place and narrowly missing out on a play-off position. However, the shock announcement that Sullivan had decided to leave the club for Leatherhead in the May saw a number of candidate s interviewed for the vacant manager's role that eventually went to former Banstead Athletic manager Graeme Banyard. Further ‘bad’ news was to follow with several first team regulars also moving on, putting Banyard in a difficult situation. Many new players came and went as Merstham’s form took a turn for the worse and it wasn’t until the last quarter of the season that the team really seemed to settle. But it was too late and Banyard’s aspirations for a play-off spot was over.

Banyard resigned in 2010/11 and the club slid towards a possible relegation slot with some very poor performances. Caretaker-manager Andy Martin took over a very unfit side that hadn’t had any real training under Banyard and managed to keep the side in the Division, despite being deducted a point. Martin was appointed permanent manager for the 2011/12 season but left after just twenty games in charge, leaving Antony Williams and Rob Smith in temporary charge until former Bromley manager Hayden Bird was announced as Martin's successor. Bird rang the changes and as a result, Merstham finished a creditable 9th.

The 2012/13 season saw many changes at the club, notably the loss of the Reserves, A & B Teams, the Sunday Team and the U18s for financial reasons. This was Bird’s first full season in charge and it didn’t quite live up to his expectations with Merstham finishing 12th and without a noticeable run in any cup completion. With a minimal budget, Bird again rang the changes for the 2013/14 season and brought in more experienced players with the expectation of making the play-offs. Despite an exciting second half to the season, the Moatsiders finished just outside the qualifying places in seventh but bounced back in 2014/15 by ending 4th and defeating Folkestone Invicta 3-0 in the play-off final to take their place in the Premier Division for the first time in their history. A very creditable 10th place was achieved in 2015/16 and the campaign finished on another high when they trounced Godalming Town 4-1 in the final of the Surrey Senior Cup.

Merstham’s second season in the Ryman Premier League also saw them reach the ‘First Round Proper’ of the FA Cup for the first time in their history, facing SkyBET League One side Oxford United in front of a new ground record crowd of 1,920. Unfortunately Merstham were no match for Oxford, losing 5-0, although the scoreline somewhat flattered the League One side. After the euphoria of the cup run, Merstham’s season took a downward trend, losing games they should have easily won and the season finished with the club escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth, in 20th place, which was not helped by the loss of three points for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the season.

Little improvement was made during the club's 125th anniversary in 2017/18, although they did secure the Surrey Senior Cup with victory over Leatherhead in the final, but Merstham went on to enjoy the most successful league campaign in their history last season, ending finishing a point clear of Folkestone Invicta to seal the final play-off place. Victory away to Carshalton Athletic in the semi-final left them needing to beat Tonbridge Angels in the final to set up a Super Play-Off with the Met Police for a place in Conference South, but a goal in each half sent the Kent side through in front of 2,268 fans at the Longmead Stadium.

During the summer, Bird and a large number of the playing squad made the switch to Kingstonian, resulting in the appointment of former Tooting & Mitcham United manager Frank Wilson as Bird's replacement. A huge rebuild had to take place and Wilson brought in a number of new players, among them ex-Fulham striker Barry Hayles who has taken on the role of Wilson's Assistant. Another change to take place is that of the Moatside ground, which is now sponsored by the Whisky Bible whose author, Jim Murray, hails from the town.

Despite starting the campaign with two wins and a draw in their first four matches, Merstham have gone on to suffer seven defeats with their only success coming away to struggling Wingate & Finchley (4-0). In the FA Cup they were eliminated 1-0 by Isthmian League Division One South-East side Whyteleafe in the 1st qualifying round.

Did you know? When Norman Rudd took to the field on September 23rd 1995, for a Combined Counties League match against Merstham, he became the oldest person to play for Walton Casuals at the age of 47 years, 351 days!

Merstham player profiles

Matte Pierson (goalkeeper) Matte spent last season at played a significant part in Wilson's Bostik South Title Bedfont Sports, where he was awarded player of the winning side in 2016/17. Eddie remained a regular at season by both management and his teammates. Matte TMUFC with Wilson during their promotion to the Bostik was a trainee at Brentford and signed for Hampton & Premier Division and then stayed on at the club until joining Richmond before Frank Wilson took him on loan at the Moatsiders this summer. Tooting & Mitcham, making the move permanent in 2016. Chace Jaquart (midfield) A central midfielder and gifted Peter Wedgeworth (defence) 'Wedgie' spent three ballplayer, with two good feet. Chace spent four years at seasons at Tooting & Mitcham and was originally brought AFC Wimbledon’s Academy, graduating into the first team to the club by Merstham boss Frank Wilson during his squad before spending a season at Portimonense, who spell in charge there. Peter was a key figure in the Terrors play in Portugal’s top-flight. squad during his time there and was influential in Wilson's Bostik South title-winning season, as well as their London Christian Gitau Eneremadu (midfield) An exciting wide Senior Cup triumph. A talented left-back who is well- left player, 22-year-old Christian spent last season at known for being a dead ball specialist, Peter had a brief Lüneburger SK Hansa who play in Germany’s fourth tier. spell with the Moatsiders in 2012. He joined them after graduating from Loughborough University’s well-regarded football programme. James Richmond (defence) A tall, strong, commanding defender with vast experience at step 3, James was one Ellis Brown (midfield) The 23-year-old spent last season of Frank Wilson's first signings at Merstham. He originally at Waltham Abbey, winning Player of the Year and hitting signed James towards the end of 18/19 season, during double figures in goals as a wide player. Ellis was a his brief spell at Kingstonian, bringing the experienced product of the Charlton Youth Academy where he enjoyed defender over from Burgess Hill Town where James had 10 years at the club. He then signed a one-year pro been a key figure for the previous 3 seasons. contract at Southend United before moving into non- league football. Sinn'Kaye Christie (defence) Sinn'Kaye had a previous spell at Merstham in 2017/18, before joining Bostik South Charlie Ten Grotenhuis (midfield) A tall, powerful central contenders Hastings Utd. He spent some time on loan at midfielder, Charlie came through the Bristol Rovers Whitehawk last season. academy before joining Gloucester City. Another summer signing. Antonio Simeone (defence) "Simmo" was awarded 'Supporters Player of the Season' and 'Managers’ Player Bradley Wilson (midfield) Bradley was Whyteleafe’s of the Year' during his 2018/19 campaign at Tooting & player of the year last season and netted 12 times. After Mitcham. Simeone and Wilson first came together during signing for Lewes in the summer, Frank Wilson persuaded their time at St Mary's University where manager Frank the young midfielder to be part of his rebuilding at the Wilson served as head coach. Simeone then played for Moatside. Wilson at Tooting and quickly cemented his place as a key defender. 'Simmo' is a strong, physical and Omar Folkes (forward) Omar is a familiar face to composed left-sided centre-back with excellent Merstham supporters, having spent the 2016/17 campaign distribution and an eye for goal. at the Moatside. Omar is another player that played under boss Frank Wilson at Tooting and spent three seasons Edwin 'EJ' Mensah (defence) A versatile defender who with the Terrors. is nominally a central defender but is equally at home at full-back where he has started the season. Began his Yannick Monga (forward) French-born Yannick is senior career as a scholar at Barnet, before spells at comfortable both in midfield and up front. Began his career Braintree and Hitchin last season. at Carquefou in France before joining FSV Luckenwalde in Germany. Moved to England and had a spell at East Liam Smith (defence) Liam is an exciting young Thurrock United before joining the Moatsiders. prospect whom we signed from Tonbridge Angels. Liam came through the Angel's youth system, making his Delano Sam-Yorke (forward) A vastly experienced debut at just 16 years old. Enjoys getting forward at every forward, Delano began his career at Woking and has opportunity when operating at full-back. played for a number of clubs including Basingstoke Town, Cambridge United, Lincoln City and Maidstone United. Jesse Boateng (defence/midfield) A versatile young player who is equally at home at full-back or wing-back, Barry Hayles (forward) Capped 10 times by Jamaica, Jesse spent 7 years in the Crystal Palace Academy Barry began his career with Willesden Hawkeye before before moving to Aldershot Town last season as a playing for Stevenage Borough, Bristol Rovers, Fulham, scholar. Sheffield Utd, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town, St Albans City, Arlesey Town and Eddie Dines (midfield) Eddie is another familiar face to Truro City, before player/coach roles at Chesham United Wilson - the midfielder was brought to Tooting & Mitcham and Windsor. Barry made over 200 appearances during during Wilson's time there as manager where Eddie his spell at Fulham, scoring 44 league goals.

We’ve met before

Horsham and Merstham football clubs first met 45 years ago, in an East Surrey Charities Cup tie at Queen Street, but it wasn't until 2012 that league points were contested when the Hornets found themselves back in Division 1 (South) of the Isthmian League following their relegation from the Premier Division. The match resulted in the only occasion on which the scores have ended level, with Merstham winning three and Horsham two of the six league matches to have taken place. Ian Chatfield, Liam Wright, Troy Williams, Shane Cojocarel and Brannon Daly have played for both clubs during their careers. This afternoon we look back on those two milestone matches, our inaugural meeting and that first Isthmian League affair at Moatside. Horsham 2 Merstham 1 Merstham 2 Horsham 2 Tuesday 21st May 1974 Tuesday 6th November 2012 East Surrey Charities Cup Semi-Final Ryman League Division One South

Horsham needed the help of a late penalty to send Merstham needed just three minutes of this first-ever them through to the final of the East Surrey league meeting with Horsham to take the lead when Charities Cup at the expense of Merstham. The Fabio Saraiva beat Michael Hunter with an angled match produced some impressive performances drive. Billy Medlock went close to levelling things from new signings former Brighton man Terry from a couple of free-kicks, that went narrowly wide, Stanley and Ricky Kidd, from Sutton, and both but it needed a goal-line clearance by Matt Simpson showed that they should figure large in Roy to prevent Liam Wright from making it 2-0. Osborne’s plans for the new season. Merstham were beginning to turn the screw so it was The Hornets’ finishing was largely off-target, against the run of play that Evan Archibald equalised, though, and with ‘keeper Evans in great form, hooking the ball into the net from a Gary Charman Merstham took a surprise lead when left-winger assist. Now it was the visitors' turn to impress yet Martin Peters headed home a cross by inside-right they, too, conceded during their strongest spell when Madeley, formerly of Skelmersdale. A forceful run Ryan Marriott was dispossessed and Wright ran on by centre-back Rick Summerfield led to Barry Steer to beat Hunter from the edge of the box. scoring the equaliser off a post after thirty-six minutes but then the Surrey Leaguers held the The Hornets got back on terms, six minutes into the home side until near the end. second half, when Archibald got on the end of Billy- Joe King's low cross but Mark Nwokeji would have This was particularly creditable since they were restored the hosts' lead had it not been for a brave down to ten men for thirty-five minutes after ex- block by Charman. Chances began to fizzle out as Carshalton left-half Gayton was taken to Crawley Merstham's fast and impressive first half display Hospital with a damaged back caused in a collision gradually dissipated although Marriott went close to with his own ‘keeper. A rather harsh penalty, given grabbing a sensational winning goal when his shot for a foul on Steer, led to the winning spot-kick and, from just outside the centre circle had goalkeeper even then, Cosham’s blockbuster was reached by Paul Agu back-pedalling anxiously before watching Evans. But he could not prevent Cosham’s follow the ball clear the crossbar by a matter of inches. up from entering the net.

Horsham: Dai Mason, Alan Clarke, Trevor Horsham: Michael Hunter, James Brockhurst, Gregson, Rick Summerfield, Dennis Strudwick, Charlie Farmer, Matt Simpson, Gary Charman, Steve Ibbitson, Terry Stanley, Colin Newstead, Adam Hutchings, Billy-Joe King (Wayne Clarke, Ricky Kidd, Barry Steer, Steve Cosham Sub James Grant), Scott Harris, Billy Medlock, Evan Graham Sweet Archibald, Ryan Marriott

Merstham: A Evans, G Corner, R Baker, K Dobbs, Merstham: Paul Agu, Rob Carter, Peter D Bridges, G Gayton, D Jenkins, D Madeley, D Wedgeworth, David Graves, Tutu Henriques, James Winning, S Shoulder, M Peters Evans (Troy Williams), Jack McLeod (Dean Gunner), Luke I'Anson, Mark Nwokeji, Fabio Saraiva, Liam The Hornets defeated Redhill 4-0 at Queen Street Wright (Adam Moriarty) in the final, eight days later, thanks to goals by Barry Steer, Ricky Kidd, Colin Newstead, Terry Stanley. It was only the second time Evan Archibald scored a They also defeated Merstham in the semi-final in brace for the Hornets, his first coming in a 4-2 win at 1976, before going on to lose to Redhill in the final. Canvey Island on the opening day of season 2008/9. Horsham Football Club fixtures 2019/20 Date Opposition Comp F-A Att Scorers Pos 10 Aug LEATHERHEAD LGE 1-1 711 O'Toole 9 13 Aug Bognor Regis Town LGE 1-1 545 O'Toole 12 17 Aug Enfield Town LGE 4-1 333 Smith 2, Harris, Newton 7 24 Aug Tower Hamlets FAC 6-1 89 Miles, Smith 2, Newton, OG, Rance 26 Aug Lewes LGE 2-0 600 Hayward, Shelley 6 31 Aug FOLKESTONE INVICTA LGE 0-1 622 9 07 Sep Metropolitan Police FAC 1-1 143 Smith 9 10 Sep METROPOLITAN POLICE FAC 3-2 445 Sparks, Smith 2 9 14 Sep Brightlingsea Regent LGE 4-0 166 Smith 3, Harris 7 17 Sep WINGATE & FINCHLEY LGE 2-1 412 Harris, Smith 4 21 Sep DARTFORD FAC 0-2 902 5 28 Sep Cheshunt LGE 1-0 197 OG 3 01 Oct Corinthian-Casuals LGE 2-1 177 Brivio, Lavery 2 05 Oct HORNCHURCH LGE 1-0 619 Harris 1 08 Oct CARSHALTON ATH LGE 2-2 556 Smith, Harris 1 12 Oct Bishop's Stortford LGE 0-2 302 3 19 Oct MERSTHAM LGE 22 Oct CRAY WANDERERS LGE Kick-off 7.45pm 26 Oct Haringey Borough FAT 02 Nov Haringey Borough LGE 06 Nov Newhaven SSC Kick-off 7.45pm 09 Nov BOWERS & PITSEA LGE 16 Nov Potters Bar Town LGE 23 Nov Kingstonian LGE 30 Nov MARGATE LGE 07 Dec Folkestone Invicta LGE 14 Dec EAST THURROCK UTD LGE 26 Dec Worthing LGE 01 Jan LEWES LGE 04 Jan Hornchurch LGE 11 Jan CORINTHIAN-CASUALS LGE 18 Jan Merstham LGE 25 Jan BISHOP'S STORTFORD LGE 01 Feb Cray Wanderers LGE 08 Feb HARINGEY BOROUGH LGE 15 Feb Leatherhead LGE 18 Feb BOGNOR REGIS TOWN LGE Kick-off 7.45pm 22 Feb CHESHUNT LGE 29 Feb Carshalton Athletic LGE 07 Mar POTTERS BAR TOWN LGE 14 Mar Bowers & Pitsea LGE 21 Mar ENFIELD TOWN LGE 28 Mar East Thurrock United LGE 04 Apr BRIGHTLINGSEA REG. LGE 11 Apr Wingate & Finchley LGE 13 Apr WORTHING LGE 18 Apr KINGSTONIAN LGE 25 Apr Margate LGE Key: LGE – BetVictor Isthmian Premier Division, FAC – FA Cup, SSC – Sussex County Cup FAT – FA Trophy Match sponsors 2019/2020 Horsham Football Club would like to thank all this season's match & matchball sponsors Date Opponent Match sponsor (£90) Matchball sponsor (£30) 10.08.19 Leatherhead Lello Business Pete Tanner 31.08.19 Folkestone Invicta Horsham 1881 Blue Stragglers 17.09.19 Wingate & Finchley Mid-Sussex Cars Ltd Jonathan Kenworthy 21.09.19 Dartford Dual Strength & Fitness Pete Little 05.10.19 Hornchurch Horsham & Crawley Counselling Group In memory of Roy Wells 08.10.19 Carshalton Athletic Jeff Barrett Sean Bravery 19.10.19 Merstham Horsham Independent Supporters' Club Richard Eastwood 22.10.19 Cray Wanderers PAPYRUS 09.11.19 Bowers & Pitsea Monksgate Business Services Matt and Jack Dale 30.11.19 Margate John Newell 14.12.19 East Thurrock United Joe Clarke 01.01.20 Lewes Jim Rae Pete Little 11.01.19 Corinthian-Casuals SEUCL 25.01.20 Bishop's Stortford Visit Horsham 08.02.20 Haringey Borough David Hillier 18.02.20 Bognor Regis Town Christopher Kirk Hive HR Solutions 22.02.20 Cheshunt 07.03.20 Potters Bar Town Horsham 1881 Ian Dunscombe 21.03.20 Enfield Town Shirley 'Patricia' Rae Ian Dunscombe 04.04.20 Brightlingsea Regent Jim & Sue Bravery Ian Dunscombe 13.04.20 Worthing Paul William Arnold Ian Dunscombe 18.04.20 Kingstonian Neil Richmond Ian Dunscombe Full match sponsorship is available for £90 and includes 2 free tickets, reserved parking, boardroom hospitality, complimentary signed programmes, selection and presentation of the Man of the Match award, programme and PA acknowledgement. Email [email protected] for more details Travel in style with the Hornets this season

Haringey Borough v Horsham Buildbase FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round Saturday 26th October 2019 & Isthmian League Premier Division Saturday 2nd November 2019 Depart Horsham Park & Ride @ 11am Cost: £13 return Book your place by contacting [email protected] or call 01403 458854 In association with Heritage Coaches • Air-conditioned • Fully seat-belted • Toilet • Comfort

Player stats

2019/2020 Career Substitute appearances in brackets League Cup Total Total Player Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals George Bentley 12 3 15 15 0 Jack Brivio 3 (6) 1 (2) 11 1 56 10 Lea Dawson 9 4 13 13 0 Ben Dyett 1 1 1 0 Lee Harding 5 (3) 2 (1) 11 51 11 Charlie Harris 11 (1) 5 4 16 5 54 13 George Hayward 5 (2) 1 7 1 53 5 Josh James 1 1 9 0 Alex Kelly 6 (4) 4 14 14 0 Kieran Lavery 5 (4) 1 2 11 1 34 4 Dylan Merchant 5 (1) (1) 7 41 1 Steve Metcalf 5 (1) 2 (1) 9 133 9 Will Miles 7 4 1 11 1 18 1 Harry Mills 7 (1) 3 11 11 0 Zack Newton 7 (5) 1 3 (1) 1 16 2 16 2 Jerry O'Sullivan 4 4 4 0 Rob O'Toole 5 (3) 2 1 (1) 10 2 72 27 Kieron Pamment 5 (2) (3) 10 63 24 Jared Rance (3) (1) 1 4 1 4 1 Joe Shelley 10 1 3 (1) 14 1 149 31 Chris Smith 11 7 4 5 15 12 59 35 Harvey Sparks 9 4 1 13 1 54 3

Horsham Independent Supporters' Club

The nights are drawing in but as we fall back into the damp and cold embrace of a Sussex winter, we are all being warmed by the fantastic return the team have made to Isthmian Premier League football. As we all get used to our new surroundings, talk of involvement and activities from Horsham Independent Supporters' Club (HISC) has increased.

For anyone new to the club, HISC are the official supporters' club that operates with a remit to helping all fans support the club - whether through helping get people to home and away matches, awareness of travel plans and group savings, arranging activities for fans outside of matchdays or fundraising for specific club- related items.

Now we are back in town, with our gobsmacking new home, we will be increasing our visibility and organising some events. Already we have the HISC Friday night darts team up and running (and always looking for anyone who is tasty with the tungsten) and have held a few supporters' matches on the increasingly hallowed 3G turf. Upcoming events include quiz nights, live music and a possible Xmas party but, as always with these things, the more people who can get involved or show an interest, the more effective the supporters' club will be.

We will be setting up an information stall at the next Saturday home match (currently November 9th v Bowers & Pitsea), where there will be an opportunity to meet the HISC committee, discuss plans and volunteer to be involved. In the meantime, you can keep up with HISC news and events via a variety of social media platforms - @lardyarmy (Twitter); horshamisc (instagram); Horsham FC Fans Group (Facebook Group); HFC Fans Forum (Goatzone).

I'll not be at today's match, but there will be a variety of HISC members who will happily give you any information, or point you in my direction.

COYH!

John Dalby Chairman Horsham Independent Supporters' Club

A round-up from Horsham Youth

What a weekend it was for Horsham’s youth squads, who were on fire!!

With the weather providing rain and more rain, we were delighted to get all 7 sides playing last Sunday, with five of them at home, and the lads took full advantage by bagging 41 goals between them. Not only that but the clubhouse breakfast was a real hit with everyone again as they kept sheltered from the wind and rain.

Pride of place goes to the U11s, who clinched the first silverware of the season when they captured the Arun & Chichester League Autumn Cup (Coral League) with a handsome win away to AFC Worthing Youth Atoms. It was clear from the start that Worthing were going to struggle to cope with the intensity and speed that this U11 team possess, and the young Hornets established a 5-0 half-time lead, going through the gears in the second half to eventually run out 11-0 winners thanks to goals from Zac Langford, Sammy Painter, Harry Duvergier (2), Sam Abrehart (3), Max Plinston (3) and an own goal.

The U12s were in Sussex County Cup action, hosting D&S Hastings, and the lads turned it on to win 7-2 to set up a home tie with Barnham Trojans next month. Horsham’s goals were scored by Adam Gregory, Callum Webb (2), Josh Baker, Charlie Little and Alfie Russell. A late equaliser meant Horsham and Ferring Brazilian Masters U13s had to settle for a share of the spoils from a 2-2 draw in which Harvey Marshall and Luke York scored for the Hornets.

The U14s ran riot in their Mid-Sussex League Cup tie against Furngate Youth, winning 16-0. The visitors, beaten 17-0 by Horsham in the league just a few weeks ago, arrived at The Camping World Community Stadium with just eleven players and were soon down to ten after an injury. This just added to their woes as Horsham’s quick passing and good vision helped them to create some great goals. Luke Harrison stole the headlines with four goals although George Bowler (3) wasn’t far behind, with Stan Berry (2), Alfie Maguire, Cameron Joste, Ollie Randell, Ethan Neylon-Lwin and Jack New completing the rout.

Harrison Hay scored twice as our U15 Greens put eight goals past Angmering Village, who managed just one in reply. There was some great football played by the squad, who have really pulled together and become a tight unit this season, with the confidence growing from week to week. The Hornets’ other goalscorers were Bernard Wraith, Adam Fitter, Sam McMinn, Samuel Berry, Tate Stowell and Max Fitzsimmons.

U15 Amber are through to the next round of the Sussex County Cup, thanks to a 12-1 victory over Felpham Colts Blue. The Hornets got off to the perfect start, scoring in the very first minute, but it was after the break that they showed their superiority by scoring eight goals without reply – including a hat-trick by sub Joe Simpkin. But even his achievements were outshone by Zain Beg, who helped himself to four goals, with Connor Collcutt also chipping in with a treble. Charlie Gibson and Alfie Clifford completed the scoring to send Horsham through to a date with either Furngate Hawks or Barnham Trojans.

Finally, our U16s had to wake early for their trip to Bexhill for a top of the Mid-Sussex League Division A clash and secured all three points courtesy of a goal from Aden Radojevic.

Tomorrow's fixtures

U11 v Bognor Regis Town (a) Arun & Chichester Development League U12 v Worthing Dynamos (h) Arun & Chichester League Cup U13 v Ferring Brazilian Masters (h) Arun & Chichester League Cup U14 v Oakwood (h) Friendly U15 Green v East Preston (a) Arun & Chichester League U15 Amber v Rottingdean Village (a) Mid-Sussex League U16 v Premier United (a) Mid-Sussex League Cup

Don't forget that the clubhouse opens at 9am tomorrow, with the breakfast menu available from 10am.

Follow Horsham FC Youth on our twitter feed @HFCHornets or visit the club's official website: www.horshamfc.co.uk

U23s MATCH REPORT

Tuesday 15th October Horsham U23s 5 Ramsgate U23S 1 (Bluefin Development League)

Attendance: 59 Report by Darryl Jacobs

The opening 10 minutes of Horsham fourth Development League match of the season was fairly even as both sides probed and sparred with each other without creating much in the way of chances. The Rams then started to control possession, with their pacy diminutive forwards Max Glet and Thomas Finn looking a threat and it was the latter who opened the scoring when a good run into the Hornets box saw him get past right- back Ned Pierre. Although stopped by Trent Fawcett, the referee spotted a foul and pointed to the spot. Having won the penalty, Finn stepped forward to confidently send the ball beyond the reach of Horsham 'keeper Lewis Blaney.

Just after that, the Rams were very unlucky not to go two up when a good run and cross from the right wing found Riley Twyman unmarked but his header just skimmed over the bar. This was a good spell for the visitors and Finn looked a threat once more with a run on goal that ended with a low left foot shot just wide. Gradual ly Horsham managed to get into the game and the right flank combination of Pierre and JJ O’Sullivan, playing as a winger, created a few problems for the Rams.

The equaliser came unexpectedly when the visitors' defence made a bit of a mess of clearing a hopeful ball in and it fell kindly for Horsham’s William Gordon, who made no mistake from close range. Shortly after, Matieus Mulugeta played in O'Sullivan, whose shot forced a good block from visiting ‘keeper Carl McCourt who did well again to save the follow-up effort from Mulugeta, turning it away for a corner. In the closing stages of the half, with Horsham finishing strongly, a long speculative cross from Kieran Britland was dropped by McCourt but there was no one on hand to take advantage.

H/T: Horsham 1 Ramsgate 1

The young Hornets started the second half as they had left off, only now they looked more organised - squeezing a little higher up the pitch and giving striker Archie Goddard, who had been left isolated at times in the first half, more support from midfield. Gordon went close when racing through on goal but fired just wide of the post and Harry Law forced a block from the keeper. Then, in the 51st minute, Horsham took the lead through that man Goddard, with his 9th goal of the season, slotting the ball home from inside the box. A short while later a cross from Pierre, having a fine game, was met with a firm header by Law but the ‘keeper saved well.

It was a breakaway that led to Horsham extending the lead when Goddard, managing to stay onside, found himself in space and closed in on goal but as he rounded the ‘keeper he lost control of the ball. Thankfully Gordon was on hand to gobble up the chance and tap in from close range to put Horsham 3-1 up. The young Hornets were really enjoying themselves now and, with the game under complete control, Mark Hawthorne bro ught on new signing Sam Karl for Lewis Kelly, who had put in a good shift, and introduced Sam Gallagher for Gordon.

The substitutes fitted in seamlessly and both were to have a positive impact on the game. First Gallagher scored following a neat interchange of passes in the 72nd minute and then Karl made it 5-1 with the goal of the match, probably the goal of the season! Picking the ball up on the left, just inside the opponents' half, he set off on a mazy run that left four players in his wake and, as he was confronted by the Rams 'keeper, he dribbled past him to walk the ball into the net. It was a tremendous debut goal that had the Horsham supporters purring in delight.

Next up for the Hornets will be reigning champions Tooting & Mitcham United, on Monday. Kick-off at the Camping World Community Stadium is 7.45 pm

Horsham: Lewis Blaney, Ned Pierre , Kieran Britland, Joel Mann (c),Trent Fawcett, JJ O’Sullivan, Lewis Kelly (Sam Karl), Harry Law, Matieus Mulugeta, William Gordon (Sam Gallagher), Archie Goddard (Harry Brooker)

Vales goal ends two decades of hurt

We've all suffered it. That long sequence of defeats or the eternal wait for a victory (remember the 2011/12 season, Hornets fans ?). Spare a thought, then, for the followers of Andorra's national side whose recent 1-0 defeat of Moldova ended a TWENTY-ONE YEAR WAIT for a first European Championship win. Not only that but Marc Vales' 63rd minute header secured the tiny principality only its third victory in 23 years and just its seventh of all-time!

There are mitigating circumstances behind their years of struggle, of course. A landlocked microstate, tucked away in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France to the north and Spain to the south, Andorra is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe whose population of 77,000 is dwarfed by its estimated 10.2 million annual visitors. Its domestic league consists of just eight clubs, in which 16 of the current 20 members of the national squad play while the others ply their trade in the lower echelons of Spanish football or – in the case of matchwinner Vales – the Norwegian second division.

The Andorran Football Federation was established in 1994, with the domestic league begun a year later. But it wasn't until it gained affiliation with governing bodies FIFA and UEFA in 1996 that the national team were permitted to participate in major competitions, losing their first-ever official fixture 6-1 to Estonia in front of 1,500 spectators in its capital city, Andorra la Vella, on 13th November that same year. It was another two years before Andorra played its first competitive match, having lost seven of it's eight friendly fixtures (including a respectable 3-0 loss to Brazil), when they went down 3-1 in Armenia in a Euro 2000 qualifier. Andorra lost all ten qualifiers for that tournament, scoring only three goals (two of which were penalties), and it was a similar tale in their first World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2002 tournament. In the team's qualification campaign for Euro 2004 they again lost every game, scoring their only goal in a 2–1 away loss to Bulgaria.

Their first competitive victory came against Macedonia on 13th October 2004, in a qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup Finals, and such was the indignation felt by Macedonia coach Dragan Kanatlarovski after the defeat that he immediately resigned, calling the game "a shameful outcome, a humiliation". Progress continued to be made during that same campaign, with goalless draws against Macedonia and Finland, although they also suffered their heaviest-ever defeat, losing 8-1 in Liberec against the Czech Republic. England first came up against Andorra in Group E of the Euro 2008 qualifiers, winning 5-0 at Old Trafford on 2nd September 2006 and 3-0 away from home the following March in a match switched to nearby Barcelona to accommodate a near 13,000 crowd. The two nations were pitched together again for the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds, England struggling to a 2-0 win in the away leg before scoring six without reply in the return match at Wembley Stadium.

Their woes continued during qualifying for Euro 2012, failing to pick up a single point while scoring just a solitary goal in their ten matches, while the 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament was even more disastrous at the end of which their 'goals for' column read 'nil'. Their best goalscoring record came during qualifying for Euro 2016 in which they managed a total of four goals (but no points). On 22nd February 2017, Andorra won 2-0 away to San Marino in a friendly to end a period of 12 years and 132 days without winning any match. Less than four months later, Andorrans were celebrating once more when a goal by Marc Rebés earned them a 1-0 win against Hungary and a first competitive victory since 2004. These two wins, and a draw against the Faroe Islands in July 2017, moved Andorra up 57 places in the FIFA rankings to 129th, its second best position ever.

On 21st March 2018, Rebés scored the only goal of a friendly win over Liechtenstein in Spain, giving Andorra their third victory of the last 13 months and sixth of all time. That same year, Andorra made its debut in the newly-created UEFA Nations League, drawing all three home matches with Kazakhstan, Georgia and Latvia, yet still finishing bottom of their group. Then came the battle for qualification for Euro 2020 when, last Friday and after six successive defeats and no goals, they hosted Moldova at the Estadi Nacional and secured a famous 1-0 win, thus ending a 56-match winless run in Euro qualifiers. Unfortunately the Andorrans didn't have long to savour their most recent triumph as they were beaten 2-0 at Iceland on Monday night, yet remain above Moldova in the table with three matches still to play. If it remains that way, it will be the first time Andorra have avoided the wooden spoon in any World Cup or Euros qualifying campaign.

The tenth instalment of Non-League Day was a roaring success – now let’s make sure the event’s legacy continues, writes David Richardson

The annual occasion was celebrated up and down the country in soggy but high spirits last weekend. There was no shortage of media publicity or promotion by the country’s top clubs to encourage their fans to turn out for their local clubs during the international break.

Big names from the game, led by Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, also lent their support with the former England manager recording a special video message to fans for Non-League Day’s official charity Prostate Cancer UK. Premier League Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Southampton were among the top flight clubs tweeting their support. Championship representatives included Preston North End as Saturday’s downpours failed to dampen spirits.

Of course there were plenty of fantastic schemes and offers delivered by Non-League clubs to draw in the crowds too. We must now encourage our friends and ‘non-regulars’ to come back again throughout the season after having a taste of the Non-League experience. Non-League Day doesn’t have to be just once a year!

It’s that time of year when chairmen and owners start getting a bit twitchy over the trigger. Last week we saw three National League managers axed within the same amount of days. First, Craig Hignett left Hartlepool United on Thursday and within a few hours Garry Hill was on his way at Ebbsfleet United. Managerial departures come with the territory these days and nothing surprises anyone in football. But many of us were caught off guard when Fylde made it a hat-trick on Saturday by parting company with Dave Challinor.

It was only in May that the Coasters were celebrating FA Trophy glory at Wembley having missed out on promotion to the Football League in the play-off final the week before. It shows how quickly things can change in football following a bad start. Challinor can probably feel a bit hard done by that their game was called off last weekend because of Sutton’s travel problems. As it happened he ended up out of a job. He’ll have plenty of suitors.

With most leagues having already played a healthy (or unhealthy depending on how you look at it!) amount of games, the picture of how a club’s season might play out is starting to become clearer.

Those in charge will be asking themselves, ‘stick or twist?’

The Non-League Paper is available from newsagents every Sunday, priced at just £1.50

Ernest Killick

A series of articles by the author of the book ‘A History and Guide to Football Programmes’ describing how programmes have changed over a century-and-a-half of Association Football

Top Club Programmes Through the Depression

The dreadful, debilitating economic Depression of the 1930’s had little impact on the style and standard of football programmes. Clubs continued to produce fairly substantial 1d or 2d issues, and they appeared to include as many advertisements as before, suggesting that programme revenue did not suffer the same fate as the rest of the economy. In terms of the quality and quantity of issues, the advances of the previous decade were consolidated and programmes changed little between 1930 and 1939.

Pre-war programmes from the North East of England are notoriously difficult to obtain today, but the Sunderland 1930s programmes were substantial 12-page productions with a splash of red ink on the front cover of an otherwise black-and-white issue. In common with most clubs at the time, there were no match details on the cover, simply the name of the club and a crest or logo; but the major part of the front page was devoted to an advertisement. These, presumably expensive, adverts were invariably for well-known local industries or enterprises. In Sunderland’s case it was for Vaux Beers.

Newcastle United also issued an excellent pre-war programme, comprising 16 pages, printed dark grey on white paper. A sketch of two footballers shared club details at the top of the cover, which was dominated by an advert for the Sunday Sun newspaper.

The Sheffield clubs issued handsome programmes of contrasting styles. Wednesday abandoned their long- standing small size with team lines on the front, to produce a splendid large page edition with a striking sketch of Hillsborough’s main stand on the front cover. Sheffield United favoured a smaller size, in 16 pages, with red and white stripes on the cover and an aerial sketch of Bramall Lane showing the old cricket pitch and pavilion.

Fairly brief programmes were favoured by some of the top clubs. For example, West Ham and Tottenham shared a similar style, with a very large folded sheet. There were few if any adverts, type-size was very small with plenty of reading crammed in, and the price was an undemanding 1d; but it remains a surprise to see such prominent clubs issue such brief programmes. Chelsea were hardly better - albeit they put their name to 8 pages. In the capital, it was Arsenal who produced by far the most impressive pre-war programme, with a 16 page edition that sported a deep red card cover advertising Highbury’s enviable local transport links.

For more information and advice on programmes and programme collecting, please visit www.pmfc.co.uk.

Next issue: Lower League Club Programmes Through the Depression

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