rrane 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 Life President: Frank King 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 Directors: season. I can't wait !! Kevin Borrett (Chairman), John Lines (CEO), Mark Butler (Finance)

David Hillier, Paul Osborn (Commercial) James Clewlow (Legal Advisor and Company Secretary), Jeff Barrett

Club Committee: The above plus: Sean Bravery (chairman), Annie Raby, Mark Wells, Sam Borrett, Jeanie Charman Roger Charman, Joe Clarke, Ray Farrell, Howard Frogley, Paul Ockenden Nigel Smithers, Matt Dale, Mark Barrett, Paul Osborn 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]

Health & Safety Officer: Roger Charman Major honours Programme: Mark Wells West Sussex Football

Website: Mark Wells League

Commercial: 1899-90, 1900-1, 1925-6 Programme advertising: Sue Bravery Email: [email protected] Sussex County League Matchday advertising: Paul Osborn 07748802424 Email: [email protected] 1931-2, 1932-3, 1933-4,

1935-6, 1936-7, 1937-8, Vice Presidents: S.Bravery, Mrs J Brittain, G Brittain, J.Dale, T.Dickinson, D.Duffield 1946-7 Mrs J.Mallard, W.Michel, D.Rick, J.Smyth, E.Stephens, Southern Combination Howie the Hornet Football League Life Members: 2015-16

Jeff Barrett, Roger Charman, Clive Edwards, Howard Frogley, Adam Hammond Sussex RUR Cup Frank King, Maureen Smith, Nigel Smithers, Ted Streeter, Eric Wright, Miss Joan Young 1900,Annie 1931, 1932, 1934 Raby, Ivan Raby, Mark Wells, John Lines (Jt), 1935, 1936,1937, Trustees: A.Baker, D.Burstow, C.Edwards, F.King 1938 (Jt), 1946, 1949

FOOTBALL (Jt), 1951,1952, 1957 1st Team Manager: Dominic di Paola Sussex Floodlight Cup 1st Assistant Manager: Adam Westwood 1977-8, 2001-2 1st Team Coach: Jon Meeney Sussex Senior Cup Goalkeeping coach: Andy McCarthy 1934-5, 1938-9, 1949-50,

InjuryTherapist: Stephanie Apps 1953-4, 1971-2, 1973-4, Kit Man: Darren Etheridge 1975-6 Youth Development Officer: Ivan Raby FA Cup 1st Round U16 Manager: Adam Hartley Coach: 1947-8, 1966-7 U13 Green Manager: Ian Scott Coach: Ellis McKay, Andrew Stowell U13 Amber Manager: Tony Massimo Coach: Steve Bridle, Aaron Coniff-Broom FA Cup 2nd Round U12 Manager: Paul Brown Coach Alex Bethell, Ross Butterfill 2007-8 U11 Manager: Sam Jones, Matt Robinson Metropolitan League 1951-2 website: www.horsham-fc.co.uk Athenian League Division Two 1969-70

Athenian League Division One 1972-3 Division Three 1995-6

Life President: Frank King 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, HORSHAM FOOTBALL Jack Everley CLUB Club Secretary FOUNDED 1881 Jeff Barrett 07712 888980 Email: [email protected]

Youth Secretary & Child Welfare Officer: Annie Raby 07800 922442 Email: [email protected] MAJOR HONOURS Health & Safety Officer: Roger Charman West Sussex Football Programme: Mark Wells League Website: Mark Wells & Matt Dale 1899-90, 1900-1, 1925-6 Commercial: Matchday advertising: Paul Osborn 07748802424 Email: [email protected] Sussex County League 1931-2, 1932-3, 1933-4, Vice Presidents: 1935-6, 1936-7, 1937-8, S.Bravery, Mrs J Brittain, G Brittain, J.Dale, T.Dickinson, D.Duffield 1946-7 Mrs J.Mallard, W.Michel, D.Rick, J.Smyth, E.Stephens, Metropolitan League Howie the Hornet 1951-2 Athenian League Life Members: Division Two Jeff Barrett, Roger Charman, Clive Edwards, Howard Frogley, Adam Hammond, Frank King, 1969-70 Maureen Smith, Nigel Smithers, Ted Streeter, Eric Wright, Miss Joan Young, Annie Raby, Ivan Raby, Mark Wells, John Lines Athenian League Trustees: A.Baker, D.Burstow, C.Edwards, F.King Division One 1972-3 FOOTBALL Isthmian League 1st team manager: Dominic Di Paola Division Three st 1 team assistant manager: Adam Westwood 1995-6 1st team coach: Jimmy Punter Goalkeeping coach: Andy McCarthy Southern Combination Injury therapist: Stephanie Apps Football League Kit man: Darren Etheridge 2015-16 U14 Amber manager: Tony Massimo Coach: Steve Bridle Sussex RUR Cup U14 Green manager: Ian Scott Coach: Andy Stowell, Rob Carter 1900, 1931, 1932, 1934 U13 manager: Paul Brown Coach: Alex Bethell, Ross Butterfill U12 manager: Ben Pugh (Jt), 1935, 1936,1937, U11 manager: Sam Jones Coach Matt Robinson 1938 (Jt), 1946, 1949 (Jt), 1951,1952, 1957 website: www.horsham-fc.co.uk Sussex Floodlight Cup 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 1947-8, 1966-7 racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any forms of nd discriminatory abuse, whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual FA Cup 2 Round orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or other form of abuse will be 2007-8 reported to for action by that association.

RESULTS Bostik League South East Division Table Bostik South East Division P W D L F A Pts Saturday 29 December East Grinstead 3 Haywards Heath 3 1 Cray Wanderers 19 15 3 1 40 17 48 Hythe Town 2 Whitstable Town 0 2 Hastings United 19 13 1 5 43 21 40 Ramsgate 1 Faversham Town 0 Sevenoaks Town 0 Cray Wanderers 1 3 Whyteleafe 19 10 5 4 42 23 35 Sittingbourne 2 Herne Bay 3 4 Horsham 19 11 2 6 40 27 35 Three Bridges 3 Whyteleafe 2 5 Ashford United 19 10 3 6 37 21 33 Sunday 30 December 6 Haywards Heath Town 19 9 5 5 36 27 32 Phoenix Sports 0 VCD Athletic 2 7 Hythe Town 19 9 3 7 42 37 30

Tuesday 1 January 8 VCD Athletic 18 9 1 8 34 32 28 Ashford United 0 Hastings United 2 9 Three Bridges 19 8 2 9 32 35 26 Horsham 1 Guernsey 1 10 Phoenix Sports 18 6 7 5 37 35 25 Saturday 5 January 11 Sevenoaks Town 19 7 3 9 25 29 24 Faversham Town 0 Horsham 2 Hastings United 5 Sittingbourne 0 12 Ramsgate 19 6 5 8 28 31 23 Haywards Heath Town 2 Ramsgate 3 13 Whitstable Town 19 6 5 8 17 30 23 Herne Bay 1 Sevenoaks Town 2 VCD Athletic 0 Ashford United 4 14 East Grinstead Town 19 6 4 9 32 37 22 Whitstable Town 1 East Grinstead Town 1 15 Guernsey 19 6 2 11 26 37 20 Whyteleafe 4 Greenwich Borough 1 16 Sittingbourne 18 5 2 11 24 34 17 Sunday 6 January 17 Greenwich Borough 19 5 1 13 26 44 16 Cray Wanderers 1 Three Bridges 0 18 Faversham Town 19 4 4 11 30 53 16 FIXTURES 19 Herne Bay 19 4 2 13 28 49 14 Saturday 12 January Ashford United v Whitstable Town 20 Thamesmead Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 East Grinstead Town v Cray Wanderers Thamesmead Town withdrawn due to liquidation. Record expunged Greenwich Borough v Herne Bay Horsham v Whyteleafe CULVER ROAD GROUND REGULATIONS Hythe Town v Haywards Heath Town Spectators may not bring the following into the ground: musical Phoenix Sports v Hastings United instruments, drums, klaxons, air horns, whistles, fireworks, smoke bombs, Ramsgate v Guernsey flares, glass bottles/containers, tin cans or any object that may be deemed Sevenoaks Town v Faversham Town to be dangerous. Spectators may not bring alcohol or food and drink into Three Bridges v VCD Athletic the ground. Spectators must, if required, submit themselves to be searched in order that the club can prevent any prohibited items from being brought into the ground. The club reserves the right to eject from the ground and prosecute any person who has: a) Failed to comply with an instruction given by a County FA or club official, steward or police officer b) Thrown missiles of any description c) Encroached onto the playing area IMPORTANT d) Made obscene, racist or insulting gestures or used obscene, racist or Horsham FC does not accept any liability for insulting language any injury to or claims of any kind from, e) Used violence of any nature spectators arising from incidents either within f) Climbed on any building, wall, fence or floodlight equipment the ground or its precincts. All spectators must g) Defaced or committed any act of vandalism against Horsham Football remain behind the pitch barrier at all times. All Club or Sussex County Football Association property vehicles are parked in the car park at the h) Taken glasses or glass bottles outside the clubhouse building owner’s risk and the Horsham Football Club accepts no liability for any losses or damage to The following are not allowed in the ground under any circumstances: vehicles of any kind. Parking is not allowed on  Dogs (except assistance dogs) Culver Road.  Ball games, scooters, skateboards etc.

Greetings Today's match is sponsored by Neil Richmond & Co and the matchball provided by Committee Chairman Sean Bravery, to each of whom we offer our very grateful thanks.

Hello everyone and welcome back to Culver Road for what looks to be a mouthwatering fixture between Horsham and Whyteleafe, to whose officials, players and supporters we offer a warm welcome. Manager Harry Hudson has done a terrific job in his first season at this level, taking Leafe to third place in the table with an entertaining brand of football that sees them joint second highest scorers in the league. On Saturday they beat Greenwich Borough 4-1 to stay one place above ourselves on goal difference so the two sides seem very evenly matched. Whether that is still the case at five o'clock today remains to be seen but with both sides playing the attractive football we all like to see, we should be in for a cracker.

Certainly we should be far better entertained this afternoon than we were at Faversham last weekend when it was a real war of attrition against a side desperate to climb away from the relegation places. Despite getting off to the perfect start, with Rob O'Toole giving us a third minute lead, we struggled to breakdown a combative home side who had to play the entire second half with only ten men following the dismissal of their captain, Harry Goodger. It made for a frustrating afternoon for the travelling supporters, with plenty of off-the-ball incidents going unseen by the match officials, so there was relief all round when Jack Brivio netted our second, three minutes before the end. Full credit to the players for sticking patiently to the task in hand and for showing plenty of character after the disappointment of conceding that late equaliser here against Guernsey on New Year's Day. Take nothing away from the islanders, who battled hard to earn their point, but on another day we would have won that match handsomely after dominating much of the game and creating enough chances to have won two matches, let alone one. It was nice to get a decent crowd in for that one, our best in the league this season in fact, and if you were one of those who don't normally come to our matches here at Culver Road but have been encouraged to pay us a return visit after what you saw, we thank you and hope that you become a regular for the rest of this season and, of course, from next season when we will be in our new home back in Horsham. Talking of which, don't forget to visit the stadium website at stadium.horsham-fc.co.uk for all the latest developments.

You may have seen that Will Hoare has accepted an invitation to play professionally in Sweden, having signed a two year contract with Division One North side Skellefteå FF. Will is due to fly out to Scandinavia next week and we wish him well in this exciting new chapter in his playing career. Although we will undoubtedly miss someone of Will's talents, we are delighted to confirm that Harvey Sparks and Jack Brivio have agreed deals that will keep them at the club until at least the end of the current campaign. Both have played their part in the team's impressive performances this season and we look forward to them enjoying long and successful careers with the Hornets.

Huge thanks to everyone who took part in our big Christmas Raffle, whether buying or selling tickets or donating prizes, helping to raise more than £2,000 of which 50% will go to the Springboard Project in Horsham and Crawley. A full list of all the winners is available by emailing commercial director Paul Osborn at [email protected].

Next Saturday we will be looking to maintain our excellent recent record in Kent when we travel to mid- table Phoenix Sports and we're back here again on Saturday 26th January when Ramsgate are our visitors. Both these matches kick-off at 3pm.

Finally, supporters may be interested to know that Horsham Museum is hosting a free exhibit entitled The Beautiful Game: A History of Football in Horsham District from today through to the end of March. The exhibition will include objects and images from the Museum’s collections, along with a range of writing, stories, footage, images and objects contributed by some of Horsham District’s own football clubs including, of course, ourselves. It should be well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in football. The museum is located in the Causeway and is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Mark

Cover: Dean Lovegrove in commanding form against Guernsey on New Year's Day (pic: John Lines)

Fr om the boss Good afternoon everyone.

Today we face a very tough challenge from a Whyteleafe side that is very much in-form and one that has impressed me every time I've seen them play. I went and watched them on Tuesday night and they are a really good side with loads of quality, bags of pace, and capable of scoring goals. For me, I think the league table is about right in terms of positions and Whyteleafe certainly deserve to be in the play-offs. They play a little bit off the cuff so they'll be difficult to deal with. Valentino Carpene, Lauris Chin, Bradley Wilson; they're all good players and they've signed Kelvin Ogboe from Hastings, who's a quick and clever winger. Marvin Armstrong is another one that likes to run at people but they've got talent throughout the side so we'll need to be on it from the start.

We're up there too, of course, but in my opinion I don't think we've been at our best since beating Hythe and we've muddled through the last few games. Even the Cray match didn't impress me that much as it was just a case of us managing the conditions better than them. It may sound strange but, for me, last Saturday was one of our most satisfying performances. The lads have had a lot of praise for the way they've played this season, and rightly so, but at Faversham they showed they can win ugly when they have to. Kent sides are never easy to play against and the least you can expect from any team that's battling against relegation is that they will get in your faces and they did that pretty much all game so it was a real battle. Even when they went down to ten men they worked really hard to get something out of the game so we just had to stay patient, match their effort, and hopefully get our rewards, which we did at the end when Briv scored our second. The boys showed a different side to themselves, which was really pleasing. I wasn't too disappointed with the way we played against Guernsey here on New Year's Eve either, despite their late equaliser. We weren't that great in the first half although we still created a couple of really good chances, but we were excellent in the second half, probably as good as we were at Hythe, and just didn't take our chances. The one we did score was a bit scrappy, but we earned it, and the only frustrating thing was that we didn't kill them off. I wasn't too pleased with their goal because I thought we committed too many players forward when we should have just closed the game down but the important thing is to learn from these mistakes. On the whole I thought we played much better than against Haywards Heath and if we'd have taken our chances then everyone would have gone away saying how well we'd played.

We're a little bit light on numbers right now, and that's something I've got to be mindful of. I don't really want to bring too many in but it's always a bit of a juggling act. We've brought Scott Kirkwood back into the squad today although he's not really played much this season. He only played three matches for Shoreham and had a run out for Hassocks last Saturday but he's trained with us for the last month so we'll have to see how it goes. It's good to have him back because he's a good honest lad. We'll also have Lewis Hyde back from next weekend as his loan spell at Pagham finishes today. Macca is unavailable this afternoon as he's working up north and Tyrell isn't 100% after tweaking his knee against Guernsey so that needs monitoring and it's a case of how long it will take to clear up. Rob had his arm in a sling after hyper- extending it in Saturday's game but should be okay.

Dom

MATCH REPORT

Horsham 1 Guernsey 1 Bostik South East Division Tuesday 1st January 2019 Att 267 Both sides had the chance to open the scoring in just the fifth minute when, after Chris Smith's goalbound shot had been blocked, Guernsey broke upfield and Seb Skillen volleyed over the bar. Rob O’Toole sent one wide from outside the box and the visitors' goal came under threat again on the quarter hour when George Hayward fizzed a low effort just past the post following a corner. Ten minutes later, Smith won the ball off Tom De La Mare and set up O’Toole for a shot that he took early, sending the ball straight down the throat of ‘keeper Callum Stanton. At the other end, Paris Pereira provided a near-immediate riposte when doing the same with Pelling grateful that the shot that was too straight and well hit to find the net. The deadlock ought to have been broken when Tyrell Richardson-Brown collected a terrific pass from Charlie Harris and cut the ball back into the penalty area where Smith, under pressure, mishit the ball straight at Stanton. An underhit backpass then gave Smith another sight of goal but, as he rushed in to challenge, Stanton got there fractionally first to hack the ball clear. Horsham had a let-off on twenty-eight minutes when Carlos Canha's shot came back off Pelling’s left-hand post but it was another piece of sloppy play by the Guernsey defence that let in Horsham again when Charlton Gauvain was caught trying to bring the ball out from the back but Harris could only shoot over the crossbar. Despite enjoying the bulk of the possession, Horsham might have fallen behind, ten minutes before the break, when Canha’s header was cleared off the line by Steve Metcalf. Dean Lovegrove and Jack Brivio headed two further chances wide from Harris corners, and Smith curled an attempt wide, but Guernsey went close to taking a half-time lead when Gauvain’s swinging volley flashed across the face of goal.

The second half was barely two minutes old when Harris’ powerful effort took a hefty deflection that sent the ball behind Stanton’s goal but Guernsey were still causing a few worries of their own and Gauvain forced a save from Pelling before Canha swung a boot at Tom Dodds’ deep cross but was unable to steer it across the line. It was a good spell of pressure from the visitors but Horsham really ought to have drawn first blood when Richardson-Brown’s low cross was missed by Stanton and a defender but Smith, taken by surprise, could only scoop the ball over the bar. The game was becoming stretched and O’Toole looped a header on to the roof of the net with Richardson-Brown smashing a loose ball over the bar from an angle. The Hornets were beginning to turn the screw but profligate finishing continued to dog them as George Hayward blasted the ball a good ten yards over the top after O’Toole had done well to create the chance. Yet another chance went begging when Richardson-Brown sent a shot beyond the far post and Hayward once again shot too high but it took a superb reaction save from Pelling to keep Guernsey at bay when Kieran Mahon cut the ball back for Pereira, only for Pelling to throw himself bravely in the way to push the shot away.

The deadlock was finally broken on seventy-six minutes when Lee Harding sent Harris away down the right and his teasing low cross saw Stanton and Jacob Fallaize collide, leaving O’Toole with a simple tap- in. In reply, sub Will Fazackerley flashed a header over the top from a corner but it took a fine save by Stanton, from Hayward's fierce snap shot, to keep the islanders in the contest. The hosts missed another chance to settle the contest when Harris firef one in that was well saved. Inevitably, perhaps, Guernsey punished their wasteful opponents with an equaliser, two minutes from time, when Fazackerley found space inside the penalty area to cross to the far post where the diving Canha headed powerfully past Pelling. The Hornets laid siege to Stanton’s goal in the closing moments but were unable to breach the visitors' rearguard again so were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Horsham: Josh Pelling, Steve Metcalf, Harvey Sparks, Charlie Harris, Dean Lovegrove, Dylan Merchant, Jack Brivio (Joey Taylor,64), George Hayward, Rob O'Toole, Chris Smith (Lee Harding,73), Tyrell Richardson-Brown (James McElligott,83)

Guernsey: Callum Stanton, Tom De La Mare (Jacob Fallaize,52), Jamie Dodd, Tom Dodds, Simon Geall, Charlton Gauvain, Sebastian Skillen (Will Fazackerley,61), Kieran Mahon (Glyn Dyer,75), Paris Pereira, Carlos Canha, Matt Loaring

MATCH REPORT Faversham Town 0 Horsham 2 Bostik South East Division Saturday 5th January 2019 Att 184 Faversham almost took a shock lead when Ashley Miller lobbed the ball just wide of Josh Pelling's goal inside the opening minute but we didn't have long to wait for the game's first goal when, in the Hornets' first attack, Chris Smith set up Rob O'Toole to score his fifth goal in as many games. Just three minutes had been played but any thoughts that this would be a walk in the park for Dom Di Paola’s side were quickly dispelled as Faversham battled back and Ben Chapman curled a free-kick just past the post. A corner for the Hornets produced a half chance for Smith, who was unable to get the ball under control quickly enough, while, back at the other end of the pitch, full-back Danny Walder forced Pelling into a smart low save. Smith looked set to double Horsham’s lead on twenty minutes when Charlie Harris’ free- kick fell invitingly for the former South Park man but his flashing volley fizzed across the face of goal and O’Toole should also have done better, moments later, when another Harris set-piece dropped to him on the penalty spot but he miskicked badly and the ball was cleared.

The Hornets continued to create the better openings and a teasing low cross by Harris saw Will Godmon bravely punch clear at the feet of O’Toole, who was rather harshly penalised as the two collided, and a minute later Faversham's Jamie Maxted reacted badly to a high but fair challenge by George Hayward that saw both players booked. Smith had one final opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet in the dying embers of the half when he hit a left foot shot that was well held by Godmon, with Ryan Huckle going close to equalising when he headed wide from a corner. The home side were reduced to ten men when Harry Goodger was dismissed for scything down Harvey Sparks and Lee Harding went close to compounding the Lilywhites' misery when he clipped the outside of the post following a terrific mazy run.

Playing down the slope in the second half, Horsham had an early chance to extend their lead when Smith headed the ball against an upright from an O’Toole cross but that was to be a rare moment of excitement at either end during an increasingly fractious half that was punctuated by numerous fouls and many more minor indiscretions that went unpunished, to the frustration of the travelling supporters. It wasn't until fifteen minutes from the end that either goal was seriously threatened again when Harding's cross looked to be dropping beneath the crossbar until Ryan Huckle produced a superb clearing header.

A minute later a weak backpass saw O’Toole and Godmon meet the ball simultaneously, with the goalkeeper apparently coming off second best and Mr Battye deeming O’Toole’s challenge to be a reckless one worthy of a caution, to the sheer disbelief of the Horsham contingent. Sensing, perhaps, that his striker needed a little protection – both against further injury and a possible second booking – Di Paola immediately replaced O’Toole with Joey Taylor. A wild swing by Walder, that thankfully missed making contact with Steve Metcalf by a fraction, only stoked up the fervour behind Godmon’s goal as the full-back avoided any punishment, so the relief when the visitors secured the victory with the final attack of the match was palpable. Taylor’s run into the box was checked by Matt Bourne but the ball was recycled by Joe Shelley and laid off to Harris who spotted Brivio’s run into the area and flighted an inch perfect ball into his path that the midfielder took one touch to control before slipping the ball under Godmon to make it 2-0. It was hard work in the end but the Hornets had got the victory they needed and remain in fourth place, level on points with today's opponents Whyteleafe.

Horsham: Josh Pelling, Steve Metcalf, Harvey Sparks, Charlie Harris, Dean Lovegrove, Dylan Merchant, Jack Brivio, George Hayward (Joe Shelley,77), Rob O'Toole (Joey Taylor,75), Chris Smith, Lee Harding (James McElligott,89)

Faversham: Will Godmon, Danny Walder, Jamie Maxted, George Monger, Matthew Bourne, Ryan Huckle, Donvieve Jones, Dan Carrington, Harry Goodger, Ben Chapman, Ashley Miller

Att 184

Bostik South East Division Round-Up

Ashford United moved into the play-of places at the expense of Haywards Heath Town last weekend, thanks to an impressive 4-0 win away to ninth-placed VCD Athletic. After a goalless forty-four minutes the Nuts and Bolts, who had enjoyed a similar result on their visit to Faversham on Boxing Day, went in front through Theo Fairweather-Johnson but it was a nine minute hat-trick by Danny Parish that did the real damage. The twenty year old striker struck his first on fifty-seven minutes and has now scored eleven goals in just ten appearances since joining the Homelands club from Thamesmead Town at the end of October.

That Ashford are now up to fifth is also due, in no small part, to county rivals Ramsgate who came out tops in a five goal thriller at Haywards Heath. The homesters had an early goal ruled out when Max Miller's first minute header was adjudged to have been offside and then Rory Smith hit the crossbar for the visitors before Tom Chapman put Ramsgate ahead with a spectacular overhead strike. Aaron Millbank doubled the lead, seven minutes from half-time, but for the umpteenth time this season Heath battled back superbly and had levelled the scores by the seventy-fourth minute, courtesy of sub Alex Laing and a Callum Saunders penalty. But the Rams would not be denied and, in the last seconds of the game, Trey Williams netted to secure the points and confine their hosts to a first league defeat since 3rd November.

Two of the other promotion contenders enjoyed big wins over struggling opponents. At the Pilot Field, second-placed Hastings United enjoyed their second 5-0 win of the season with Sittingbourne the latest fall guys as they conceded the nap hand of goals inside the first half. The Brickies had lost seven of their previous eight league games and that poor run looked set to continue from the moment Jack Dixon scored the first of his hat-trick on fourteen minutes. Jordy Mongoy doubled the lead with his first Arrows goal, five minutes later, Dan Ajakaiye made it 3-0 and Dixon completed his hat-trick of headers with two in two minutes, just before the interval. As so often happens after such a dominant first half, the second failed to produce a goal as the home side eased up and Sittingbourne got their defensive act together. After their festive/New Year victories over Sevenoaks Town (1-0) and Ashford United (2-0), it is the third successive clean sheet for Hastings, who appear to have recovered from their poor pre-Christmas form.

Over at Church Road, Whyteleafe were silencing the Cannons from Greenwich Borough as they, too, were in rampant first half mood. In fact the contest was over long before the half hour mark as Bradley Wilson (two), Kelvin Ogboe and Lauris Chin all found the net in the first twenty-six minutes. Again the goals dried up after the break although the visitors were able to pull one back from the penalty spot when Reece Deakin beat Tyler McCarthy from twelve yards following a foul on Ryan King-Elliott. The afternoon brought further misery for Greenwich, though, when Reece Cave was dismissed for violent conduct in the closing moments.

With Faversham Town going down to Horsham at Salters Lane, Herne Bay looked set to climb off the foot of the table when they led Sevenoaks Town 1-0 with just six minutes to go only for the visitors to snatch all three points with a controversial stoppage time penalty. Wins over Hythe Town and Sittingbourne in their previous two matches would have given the basement side plenty of confidence going into the match but they wasted the chance of going in front when debutant Andrew Dalhouse had a thirty-fifth minute penalty saved by Ben Bridle-Card. The former Haywards Heath man's miss was soon forgotten, though, when Bradley Schafer put the home side in front on seventy minutes and that's the way it stayed until substitute Kenny Pogue levelled matters. Then, in the fifth minute of time added on, Frankie Sawyer went to ground inside the Bay box and converted the resulting spot kick.

There was more late drama at the Belmont Ground where Chris Elliott's penalty, two minutes from time, rescued a point for Velocity Trophy quarter-finalists Whitstable Town after Greg Cundle had given East Grinstead Town a fourth minute lead. Yet the visitors might still have snatched the win when they hit the bar in stoppage time.

Cray Wanderers left it late to restore their eight point advantage at the summit when they hosted Three Bridges on Sunday afternoon. The leaders looked like having to settle for a point after being frustrated by a Bridges side that was forced to play the last twenty minutes with only ten men following the sending-off of Connor French. But a thumping ninety-sixth minute strike by Archie Johnson was enough to make it three wins on the bounce for the Wands losing to Horsham last month.

Today's opponents

WHYTELEAFE

Prior to WWII there were several teams that competed locally using the Whyteleafe name, notably Whyteleafe Junior FC and Whyteleafe Albion. Whyteleafe Albion competed for many years but the club folded several years before the start of the conflict. A new club, simply called Whyteleafe FC, was formed in 1946. The new club commenced Junior football as members of the Caterham and Edenbridge, the & District and the Leagues. Of these early years, season 1951/52 was the most successful, with a strong 'Leafe line-up becoming Thornton Heath League champions, winners of two local charity cups and runners-up in both the Surrey County Junior Cup and Year formed: 1946 the League Cup. Two years later they progressed to the Surrey County Intermediate League (Eastern Division) and were Division 1 champions Current ground: in 1955/56. 1958 saw the significant transition from 'Junior' to 'Senior' Church Road, Whyteleafe status and entry into the Surrey Senior League. This change required Manager: Harry Hudson the club to move from the New Barn Lane School ground, which was inadequate for senior football, and with a dynamic committee under the Previous leagues: leadership of Secretary Dick Baxendine, the club purchased Caterham and Edenbridge approximately four acres of farmland in nearby Church Road, where the League, Thornton Heath & club still play today. District League, Croydon League, Surrey Senior League, Play commenced on the new ground in season 1959/60 and in the early London Spartan League, sixties the club gained minor rewards with the reserve team playing Athenian League, Isthmian under the guidance of former Crystal Palace hero Roy Greenwood. The League, Kent League, next success came as the 1960s drew to a close and saw 'Leafe as Southern Counties League Surrey Senior League Champions and runners in the League Cup. In the 1970s the floodlight training area and stand were built and in 1975 Southern Counties League the club moved into the London Spartan League before joining the winners: 2013/14 Athenian League in 1981. The main pitch floodlights were installed and Surrey Senior League the dressing rooms were moved to their current location in the early 1980s. In the 1984/85 season, a league re-organisation saw the club winners: 1968/9 enter Division Two South of the Isthmian League. In November 1986 Highest position: 5th Steve Kember joined the club as manager, having been associated with Isthmian League Div 1 South the club for some years previously when with Crystal Palace, with whom he had won considerable success. In two successive seasons Kember Best FA Cup run: st engineered the club through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. 1 round: 1999/00 A highly successful 1988/89 saw the club win promotion to Division One Best FA Trophy run: as runners-up in Division Two South. Kember resigned in July 1993 and 4th round 1998/9 returned to Crystal Palace as a coach, after several successful and well-publicised stints as caretaker-manager. Paul Hinshelwood briefly Best FA Vase run: held the reins following Kember's departure and, following the 5th round 1980/1, 1985/6 resignation of his assistant Keith Wilkinson in October 1993, Lee Last season: Richardson became assistant manager and 1st team coach. o th 8 Isthmian League South August 1994 saw Richardson appointed manager. This was a very Last match: popular appointment, as Lee had been associated with the club on and 08.01.19 v Walton Casuals (h) off since 1975 playing in excess of 400 games for the club. Season Drew 2-2 (Surrey Senior Cup) 1998/99 proved to be very mixed, with the club achieving good cup resultsTROPHY losing to Welling Utd in sight of a first round visit to Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup, and winning throughwing to the last 32 in the FA Trophy, going out to the eventual winners Kingstonian in front of a then record home crowd of 945. But a season of chronic injury saw 'Leafe struggle to survive in the league and only avoided relegation by winning the last game of the season.

Season 1999/2000 proved the most momentous in the club's history. For the first time ever the club reached the 1st Round proper of the FA Cup when a crowd of 2,164, easily beat the previous season's record in a record in a match which saw them hold league opponents Chester City to a 0-0 draw before going down 3-1 in the replay. An imposing new stand was built at the top end of the ground just in time for the big match, thanks to a superb effort from all involved with the club, but the years that followed never lived up to 1999 and the club went into a slow but steady decline in fortunes.

In 2002 the team hit a low ebb at Bracknell at Christmas where they suffered a heavy defeat that prompted Richardson's resignation. Stuart Massey held the reins until October 2006 and, after a spell with chairman Mark Coote picking the team, former Crystal Palace striker Dave Swindlehurst joined the club in December. The team did reasonably well under Swindlehurst, who led them to a comfortable mid-table position and the club's first cup final in twenty years. Leafe lost their Surrey Senior Cup final to Merstham at Imber Court and this proved to be Swindlehurst's last game in charge, with Massey re-appointed as manager ahead of the 2008/09 season but only for a relatively short spell.

The winter of 2009/10 was a hard one and bad weather hit the club's finances hard. Massey resigned and former AFC Wimbledon and Chipstead manager Nicky English took over in the summer of 2010. Despite the dire financial position the club found itself in, English’s team had a purple patch after Christmas 2010, which included a remarkable 5-4 victory at eventual champions Met Police, and steered themselves away from relegation. English's hard work and commitment was never in doubt but things just didn't work out in the following year and he left the club in January 2012 with Steve Griffin given the tough job of catching up 20th placed side Burgess Hill Town when twelve points adrift. The appointment coincided with a change in club constitution which saw Coote become owner-chairman. The change gives the club renewed hope of future development and progression yet the 2011/12 season ended in bitter disappointment and the club’s first relegation in its history, despite drawing level with Burgess Hill at one point and only losing to an extraordinary result by the Hillians against Dulwich Hamlet on the final day of the season.

After a season of moderate success in the Kent League, Griffin stood down in the summer of 2013 after being badly injured in a car accident and former Whyteleafe player and Croydon manager John Fowler joined the club. Fowler built a completely new team in a very short time and one that made an immediate impact. In a memorable season for the club, the team went on to win the newly named Southern Counties East League by a clear eleven points and, amongst much celebration, the team rejoined the Isthmian League of which they had been members for twenty-eight of the preceding thirty years. The first year back in the Ryman League was also momentous as the team belied expectation by finishing in fifth place, only to lose out in a play-off match at Folkestone. Leafe struggled to repeat this achievement the following year and, in 2016, Fowler decided he had taken the team as far as he could and stood down. Former Farnborough assistant manager Leigh Dynan took over in October and began a period of major squad reconstruction. Leigh guided the club to fourteenth place, having picked up sixty-four points along the way. Dynan started the 2017/2018 season in strong fashion, boasting some impressive pre-season results against teams from the league above with emphatic wins coming against Merstham and Dulwich Hamlet. The league season started strongly with the club only suffering only two defeats in its first twelve games. But Leigh resigned in October 2017 to take over the hot seat at Kingstonian Football Club. Newly- appointed management duo of John Scarborough and Paul Dale guided the club for the remainder of the 2017/18 season, finishing in eighth position and narrowly missing out on the Bostik South play-offs, only to both step down due to other commitments.

Former Croydon FC manager Harry Hudson was named as the duo's successor, having developed a reputation for playing attractive football and leading the Trams to fifth place in last season's Southern Counties East League.

Past meetings: It was honours even when the two teams met last season, with Whyteleafe avenging their 2-0 loss at Church Road a year ago tomorrow with a rather more emphatic 5-2 victory here on the final weekend of the season. The clubs have met twenty-four times in the league, with results rather neatly split at eight wins apiece and eight draws, and a further three matches played in the FA Amateur Cup of which Horsham won all three by a margin of seventeen goals to two. Goals were rather scarce in those earliest league encounters with three goalless stalemates in the first five matches. The biggest margin of victory in the league was Horsham's 5-0 win at Queen Street in October 2004, eclipsing the 4-0 drubbing meted out by Whyteleafe in March 1989. The sides have also met once in a pre-season, playing out a 1-1 draw at Church Road in August 2011. Whyteleafe player profiles Harry Hudson - Manager Harry came to the Leafe in the summer following a year of building a successful team at Croydon FC last season, with their side finishing in fifth position but impressing everyone with their style of play. Harry was previously U21s manager at Merstham FC where he was joined by coach Calum McFarlane, now his assistant manager at Leafe.

Tyler McCarthy - Goalkeeper Twenty year old keeper who was drafted in close to the start of the season from Bishops Stortford. Has previously played at Dagenham & Redbridge as a sixteen year old, having come through the Maidstone United Academy, and has also played more locally in the Thamesmead Town team.

Nathan Campbell (Captain) - Defence Experienced defensive midfielder previously at Grays Athletic, , AFC Totton, Basingstoke Town, Maidstone United and Tonbridge Angels before joining Harry at Croydon in 2017. Immediately made club captain on his arrival at Whyteleafe this season.

Corey Holder - Defence Centre-half who joined the club in August from Sevenoaks Town, where he was club captain. Went through the ranks at Bromley FC before moving to Raynes Park Vale in 2010 and then played for City for three seasons, being an major part in the side’s success. Later transferred to Chatham Town, where he suffered a splenectomy following a football injury while on the pitch in 2013.

Bradley Wilson - Defence Nineteen year old attacking defender who has been exciting to watch in the pre-season matches. Joins from Croydon FC, having featured strongly in the side last year. Currently Head Coach for Croydon Kinetic Under 15s.

Helge Orome - Defence Former U21 Ivory Coast player, experienced defender Helge is much travelled having previously played at Oxford City, Grays Athletic, Bromley, Horsham and Cray Wanderers amongst others. Looks comfortable in the heart of the Leafe defence.

Ricardo Thompson - Defence Ricardo picked up an early injury during the run-up to the season but has made a good recovery for the start of his defensive career at Whyteleafe. Previously at Gillingham FC as a youth player, he went on loan to Whitstable Town in 2015 and later played for East Grinstead Town.

Matthew O'Donoghue - Defence Nineteen year old local boy Matthew hails from Woldingham and so does not have to travel far to the Leafe! Has fitted in well in defence during pre-season and is looking forward to the challenges of league football. Previously played at Croydon FC after coming through the ranks at Lingfield FC.

Bryan Akongo – Midfield IMAGE NOT Another new recruit from Croydon FC. Seventeen year old midfielder Bryan joined AVAILABLE Leafe for his first venture into Isthmian League football. Has previously trialled at Huddersfield Town. Scored his first goal for the club in a 4-2 FA Trophy success away to Hastings Town in October.

Whyteleafe player profiles continued

Bentley Graham - Midfield Popular twenty-seven year old Leafe favourite for many years, and former Player of the Year, Bentley is the only remaining player from last season’s side. Strong and determined in midfield, Bentley has stuck with the club through thick and thin over the years and his loyalty and devotion to the club is beyond doubt.

Harrison Carnegie - Midfield 28 year old attacking midfielder who impressed in pre-season. Graduated through the youth ranks at Croydon Athletic before moving on to Guildford City in the late 2000s. Last season helped Sevenoaks Town to win the Southern Counties East Premier Division title alongside team mate Corey Holder. Has also played for Phoenix Sports.

Gus Lukini - Midfield Producing some spectacular performances in pre-season with his speedy runs down the wing, eighteen year old Gus is an exciting prospect who has already caught the eye of the supporters and looks to continue his form in the league programme.

Marvin Armstrong – Forward Orpington-born nineteen year old attacking midfielder who joined Whyteleafe in the close season from Croydon FC. Marvin is keen to make his mark at this level and establish himself in the Leafe side and has made a good start with his work rate and commitment on the pitch.

Dan Hector - Forward Former winger at Merstham who finished top goalscorer for the U21 team during 2015/16 and subsequently progressed to the senior side for the Moatsiders. Dan had an impressive pre-season at the Leafe and looks to be a real threat in an attacking position.

Lauris Chin - Forward Prolific 'twenty goal a season' goalscorer for Croydon FC last season who is looking to add to his goal tally at the Leafe this year. Lauris has previous played at Sutton Common Rovers before joining Croydon. Unfortunately picked up an injury early in the pre-season games but is hoping to be fit and ready for the league season.

Did you know?

The first meeting between Horsham and Whyteleafe took place at Queen Street in 29th October 1960, when the two clubs contested an FA Amateur Cup 2nd qualifying round tie. Then plying their trade in the Surrey Senior League, the visitors were no match for their Corinthian League hosts who took just three minutes to take the lead through Mick Browning. Dennis Stillwell added a second, and Ron Hartley made it 3-0 at the break with one of only five goals scored by the defender in more than 150 appearances for the club.

There was no slackening in the pouring rain as the players came out after the interval and, within five minutes, Dave Collyer headed in number four. Whyteleafe grabbed a consolation goal through Jeffrey but Horsham hit right back with Browning taking his personal tally to four for the game and Jimmy Carter also finding the net to make the final scoreline Horsham 8 Whyteleafe 1.

The result remains the biggest margin of victory in 27 meetings between the two clubs.

So another festive season has flown by, once again serving up an absolute feast of Non-League football for us to gorge upon, writes the NLP's Hugo Varley!

As is annual tradition, football fans from up and down the country worked off their Christmas lunch by marching to Boxing Day games while a week later, supporters braved hangovers from the previous night’s antics to back their teams on New Years’ Day.

A look at the attendance statistics during these two days demonstrates what an important time of year the Christmas period is for football fans and clubs alike.

For example, on Boxing Day well over 1,500 Scarborough fans crammed into the Flamingo Land Stadium to watch their side’s top of the table clash with South Shields, while a sold out crowd toasted Dulwich Hamlet’s winning return to .

Records were also smashed on New Year’s Day with Altrincham recording their highest league attendance since 1970 when Stockport came to visit Moss Lane and well over 2,000 Kettering fans danced around in absolute ecstasy as Rhys Hoenes nodded home a stoppage time winner to give the Poppies an injury time victory over AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

The money gained from these increased gate revenues is absolutely vital for clubs across the Non- League pyramid, especially as we are now into the time of the year when the fixture list is often decimated by the handy work of the British weather.

These Christmas fixtures also provide a special time for fans, whether it involves being able to return to where you grew up to watch your boyhood team or briefly escaping the monotony of sharing small talk with distant relatives to enjoy some football on the terraces.

Nevertheless, it was interesting to note that a few clubs opted to alter their festive schedule this year, with a number of Bostik league clubs opting to reduce their fixture congestion by taking up the league’s offer to not play on Boxing Day.

Ultimately, this decision is perfectly understandable, even if it may have disappointed a few fans.

While we all adore the festive football schedule, we must remember that it puts an immense strain on both players and volunteers at clubs, who often have to forgo the Christmas celebrations that we take for granted in order to ensure that matches are fulfilled.

Whether you enjoyed the Christmas period on the terraces or with your feet up on the sofa we hope that is was an enjoyable one!

Roll on 2019 and a fascinating second half to the season!

Player sponsorship 2018/19

Dom Di Paola Adam Westwood Steph Apps Darren Etheridge Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Clive Williams Neil Richmond Nigel Smithers Clive Williams

Jack Brivio Lee Harding Charlie Harris George Hayward Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Howard Frogley Neil Clarke Mark & Angela Butler Mark & Angela Butler

James McElligott Lewis Hyde Dean Lovegrove Dylan Merchant Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Tim Harrison #TB3 & Horsham U13s Harrison Jones Pete Little

Steve Metcalf Rob O'Toole Josh Pelling Tyrell Richardson- Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Brown Jim Bravery Cathy Snow Steve Snow Sponsor Paul Osborn

Joe Shelley Chris Smith Harvey Sparks Joey Taylor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor: Oakland Sponsor Sean Bravery Dave Duggan Insurance Services Mark Wells Horsham Football Club would like to thank all those named above for their generous sponsorship this season

Horsham Football Club fixtures 2018/19 Date Opposition Comp F-A Att Scorers Pos 11 Aug SITTINGBOURNE LGE 1-2 195 Smith 14 18 Aug Sevenoaks LGE 2-1 166 Shelley, Harding 9 21 Aug Haywards Heath VT 5-2 112 O'Toole, Richardson-Brown, Landais, Smith 2 - 25 Aug Athletic FAC 1-0 274 Harris - - 27 Aug HAYWARDS HEATH LGE 4-5 240 O'Toole, Boswell, Richardson-Brown, Smith 13 01 Sep Whyteleafe LGE 1-3 196 Hyde 13 04 Sep Bracknell Town VT 1-3 175 O'Toole - 08 Sep Corinthian FAC 1-1 118 OG - 12 Sep CORINTHIAN FAC 5-0 124 Harding, Shelley, O'Toole, Smith, Brivio - 15 Sep HERNE BAY LGE 1-0 148 Smith 12 22 Sep HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS FAC 4-3 162 Metcalf, Shelley, O'Toole, Smith - 25 Sep Hastings United LGE 0-2 479 14 29 Sep Bury Town FAT 2-1 270 O'Toole, Richardson-Brown - 02 Oct PHOENIX SPORTS LGE 3-2 122 Hayward, Hoare, Brivio 14 06 Oct POOLE TOWN FAC 1-1 355 Shelley - 09 Oct Poole Town FAC 1-2 381 Sparks - 13 Oct WARE FAT 3-1 103 Hoare, Harris 2 - 20 Oct EAST GRINSTEAD LGE 3-1 146 Taylor, Hoare, Smith 11 27 Oct CORINTHIAN-CASUALS FAT 3-0 137 Shelley, O'Toole, Brivio - 30 Oct Ramsgate LGE 0-0 132 11 03 Nov Ashford United LGE 3-2 296 Smith, Richardson-Brown 2 7 06 Nov Storrington SSC 2-0 204 Smith, Brivio - 10 Nov POTTERS BAR TOWN FAT 1-0 147 Smith - 17 Nov VCD ATHLETIC LGE 4-0 152 Smith, O'Toole 2, Hoare 7 25 Nov BATH CITY FAT 1-2 328 Harris - 27 Nov GREENWICH BORO' LGE 2-0 100 Harding,Richardson-Brown 6 01 Dec WHITSTABLE TOWN LGE 4-0 162 OG, Harris, Harding, Sparks 5 04 Dec EASTBOURNE BORO' SSC 0-1 124 - 08 Dec Hythe Town LGE 4-2 241 Brivio, Richardson-Brown, OG, Harris 3 11 Dec Three Bridges LGE 1-2 147 Smith 3 15 Dec CRAY WANDERERS LGE 4-2 150 O'Toole (3), Harris 3 22 Dec Haywards Heath LGE 0-2 223 4 01 Jan GUERNSEY LGE 1-1 267 O'Toole 4 05 Jan Faversham Town LGE 2-0 184 O'Toole, Brivio 4 12 Jan WHYTELEAFE LGE 19 Jan Phoenix Sports LGE Today's match sponsor 26 Jan RAMSGATE LGE 02 Feb East Grinstead Town LGE 05 Feb HASTINGS UNITED LGE 09 Feb VCD Athletic LGE 16 Feb THREE BRIDGES LGE 23 Feb Whitstable Town LGE 02 Mar HYTHE TOWN LGE Neil Richmond & Co are leisure property consultants who advise many 09 Mar Cray Wanderers LGE household names such as Cineworld, Gala Bingo and Vue Entertainment. 16 Mar Greenwich Borough LGE They are able to provide specialist property advice to all local leisure, 23 Mar ASHFORD UNITED LGE 30 Mar SEVENOAKS LGE restaurant and pub/bar businesses on valuation, rent reviews and business 06 Apr Sittingbourne LGE rates. More importantly, Neil is a keen Hornets fan and is delighted to 13 Apr Herne Bay LGE support the club with today’s match sponsorship. 20 Apr FAVERSHAM TOWN LGE You can contact Neil on 0203 427 5939 or email: [email protected] 22 Apr Guernsey LGE

Home matches in CAPITALS KEY: LGE – Bostik South East Division, VT – Velocity Trophy, FAC – FA Cup, FAT – FA Trophy SSC – Sussex Senior Cup

2018/19 Career totals First team stats Apps Subs Goals Apps Goals Jack Brivio 19 6 6 25 6 Lee Harding 14 6 4 20 4 Charlie Harris 29 2 7 35 8 Jack Hartley (on loan to Horsham YMCA) 1 4 0 43 3

George Hayward 20 8 1 28 1

Lewis Hyde (on loan to Pagham) 13 3 1 88 9

Scott Kirkwood 0 1 0 86 9 Dean Lovegrove 15 9 0 28 0 James McElligott 11 6 0 17 0 Dylan Merchant 20 0 0 20 0 Steve Metcalf 28 2 1 106 8

Rob O'Toole 29 1 14 42 20

Josh Pelling 33 0 0 118 0

Tyrell Richardson-Brown 21 10 8 31 8 Joe Shelley 25 1 4 118 29 Chris Smith 16 8 12 24 12 Harvey Sparks 16 5 2 21 2 Joey Taylor 12 8 1 20 1

Horsham FC – on this day, 1935: A crowd of 9,525 gathered at Champion Hill as hosts Dulwich Hamlet welcomed Horsham for an FA Amateur Cup 1st round tie. Considered one of the best amateur sides in the country, Dulwich were the reigning cup holders yet County League Horsham performed so admirably that one Dulwich official claimed their opponents had played "as no other side has played them before". Cup tie fever reached its height in Horsham on the morning of the match when men, women and children clambered to board the 1255 'special' from the town's rail station for the non-stop journey to and the 400+ Horshamites who made the journey were treated to one of the best games in many a season, with the hosts' classy short passing game contrasting that of their opponents' robust, direct, style of play. An end to end match ensued and, after Dulwich had twice been denied by the woodwork, Benka put them ahead only for Roy Lindfield to equalise within two minutes. Cheers echoed around the ground when Albert Browning put the visitors in front in the second half but, this time, it was Dulwich who immediately hit back when Goodliffe netted from close range. Jack Broadley and Dulwich's Court both put efforts against the woodwork as every man put every ounce into securing a result. Just five minutes remained when Morrish received a pass whilst in an offside position but the referee, ignoring the raised flag of his linesman and frantic calls from supporters of BOTH sides, allowed the Dulwich man to race on and beat Bert Brooker in the Horsham goal for the clincher. It was a tough way for Horsham to lose but they could be proud of providing Dulwich with one of their sternest tests of the season. F/T Dulwich Hamlet 3 Horsham 2

Match sponsors 2018/19

Horsham Football Club would like to thank all this season's match & matchball sponsors 11.08.18 Sittingbourne Kevin Borrett Dennis Strudwick 27.08.18 Haywards Heath John Lines Howard Frogley 12.09.18 Corinthian Jeff Barrett Ray & Caroline Farrell 15.09.18 Herne Bay Mark & Angela Butler Nigel Smithers 22.09.18 Heybridge Swifts Sean Bravery & Mark Barrett Sam Borrett 02.10.18 Phoenix Sports Tanbury Garage Blue Stragglers 06.10.18 Poole Town Martin Frogley & Paul William Arnold Matt Dale 13.10.18 Ware Kevin Borrett Domino 's Horsham and #HFCYU13 20.10.18 East Grinstead Matt & Jack Dale In memory of Roy Wells 27.10.18 Corinthian-Casuals Horsham FC Stewards Dennis Strudwick 10.11.18 Potters Bar Town David Hillier Matt Dale 17.11.18 VCD Athletic Alan Keary Dennis Strudwick 25.11.18 Bath City Christopher Kirk Brian Charman 27.11.18 Greenwich Borough Matthew Shelley Paul Osborn 01.12.18 Whitstable Town HISC HISC 04.12.18 Eastbourne Borough Time Out Catering Jeff Barrett 15.12.18 Cray Wanderers Monksgate Business Services Lyla Maj Clarke 01.01.19 Guernsey Horsham FC Committee Dennis Strudwick 12.01.19 Whyteleafe Neil Richmond & Co Sean Bravery 26.01.19 Ramsgate Holly Osborn Pete Tanner 05.02.19 Hastings United Watson Associates Mark Barrett 16.02.19 Three Bridges Simon Edwards Consultancy Jack Everley 02.03.19 Hythe Town Alistair Hempstead HISC 23.03.19 Ashford United 'Patricia' Rae Mark Barrett 30.03.19 Sevenoaks Town Tanbury Garage Saint Agnes 20.04.19 Faversham Town Jim Rae Oscar Kent

You're supposed to be at home!

When Truro City hosted Torquay United on Boxing Day, the home team's supporters in a crowd of 2,760 were outnumbered by fifty-three to one! The reason, aside from the fact that Torquay have retained much of its support from its days in the Football League as recently as two years ago, is that Truro have been forced to groundshare at the Gulls' Plainmoor stadium after plans were drawn up to redevelop their own Treyew Road ground. The result is that Truro fans are now faced with a two hundred mile round-trip from Cornwall to Devon for home matches, something just fifty-two hardy souls reportedly braved for the festive fixture. Their loyalty looked to have been rewarded, just eight minutes in, when Truro took the lead but Torquay, who currently top the Vanarama-sponsored league table, hit back to win 3-1. On the plus side, plans to build a supermarket on the Treyew Road site have stalled for now and the White Tigers are hoping to return to their natural home very soon. Good news indeed for their commuting supporters.

Down with the kids – a round up from Horsham Youth

Horsham’s youth teams returned to action after the festive break with New Year good wishes to all and two good victories. An own goal enabled the U11s to take a share of the spoils from their Development League meeting with Worthing Dynamos but the big news was the U12s’ 3-0 win at Oakwood that sees them through to the quarter-finals of the County Cup. Sam Ayling, George Lee and an own goal proved the difference between the sides, with Horsham even afforded the luxury of a missed penalty, and they now look forward to next Sunday’s last eight pairing with Worthing Brazilian Masters. Sadly Zach Jeanes’ goal wasn’t enough for the U13s, whose hopes of County Cup glory were ended by visiting ASC Strikers who edged a cagey affair 2-1. Horsham U14s were in league action and they made it seven wins from seven with an emphatic victory against old rivals Worthing Town Red. Zain Beg led the way with a hat-trick, ably supported in the goalscoring stakes by Sammy Henderson (2), Connor Collcutt (2), Joe Simpkin and Max Warren in a 9-1 win. Special mention to Barry, Angela and James for their hard work in getting the game on and providing the refreshments.

Feature match: Sussex W J Jewell Trophy 4th round Oakwood 0 Horsham U12s 3

The game was an even contest in the first exchanges, with both teams getting plenty of touches on the ball and looking to settle nerves. Oakwood had some neat interchanges in the middle third and looked decent with their approach play. However, Horsham are very strong in midfield and the majority of the game was being played in the Oakwood half as they definitely looked the more likely to get the first goal. This proved to be the case on eight minutes when Markos Panoutsos made a jinking run only to be brought down in the box and awarded a penalty. Luke York stepped up and beat the ‘keeper low down to his right but sent the ball against the base of the post. Then there was a five minute spell in the first half which was key to the way this game unfolded. On fourteen minutes, Horsham 'keeper Alex Maynard made a good save to keep the score level and, a minute later, Horsham captain Harry Lawson burst into the Oakwood box and fired a shot that came back off the crossbar with the ‘keeper well beaten. Fortunately Sam Ayling was the first to react to fire the rebound into the net with his left foot from eight yards. Then on eighteen minutes, having just scored, Alex pulled off a magnificent double save to deny Oakwood an equaliser. After this scare, Horsham got their shape back and, just before the break, Stanley Hague got clear down the left and fired a low cross that Harry turned back across for George Lee to finish neatly in the corner.

The second half kicked off and was surprisingly comfortable for Horsham. Oakwood played some decent football but were fairly toothless in the final third. Luke was having a superb game at the back and marshalling the defence brilliantly. Zack Bull and Elliott Evans were also having fantastic games. Horsham didn’t need to push for a goal and always looked dangerous on the counter attack, sometimes wasting good chances in a numbers up situation. On forty-three minutes, Harry put in a dangerous ball which was met by a firm header by Stanley that just drifted wide of the far post. The game was finally put to bed, four minutes later, when Sonny Barton played a one-two with Bailey Moyo and put in a good cross which was unfortunately converted into his own net by the Oakwood defender. On fifty-two minutes Oakwood won a free-kick that was superbly hit, only to come back off the stanchion. On fifty-eight minutes Harry struck the crossbar for the second time in the match with Bailey putting the rebound wide of the post.

Horsham squad: Alex Maynard, Jacob Pugh, Luke York, Zack Bull, Elliott Evans, George Lee, Sonny Barton, Harry Lawson, Bailey Moyo, Stanley Hague, Sam Ayling, Markos Panoutsos

“The boys were superb today", said manager Ben Pugh. "Every single player won their individual battles. What pleased me the most was our shape without the ball and the transition from attack to defence. As soon as we lost the ball every single player was back in position, narrow, and defensively their starting positions were spot on. It’s pleasing as a coach to see that they are actually listening to you!”

th Forthcoming matches (Sunday 13 January): U11 v Rustington Otters (a) Presidents Cup U13 v Worthing United Colts (a) League Cup U14 Amber v Worthing Town Red (a) Arun & Chichester League Division A

On this day….

1895 The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty

(later simplified to The National Trust) is founded. Its purpose is "to look after

Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty permanently for the benefit of the nation across England, Wales and Northern Ireland" although, historically, the trust tended to focus on English country houses, which still make up the largest part of its holdings. It also protects historic landscapes such as the Lake District, historic urban properties, and nature reserves. Thanks mainly to the receipt of several large donations and bequests, the Trust owns over 350 heritage properties, most of which are open to the public, and is one of the largest

landowners in the UK. Its President is HRH The Prince of Wales and boasts a membership of more than five million.

2001 The first foreigner to coach the England football team, Sven Goran Eriksson, starts his new job after succeeding Kevin Keegan. Inheriting a team that was bottom of its World Cup qualifying group, Eriksson transformed the national team's fortunes to qualify for the tournament in Japan and South Korea, defeating Germany 5-1 in the process. He later led the country to a quarter-final appearance at EURO 2004 but a rare defeat to Northern Ireland in 2005

prompted questions over his long-term future and, after being the victim of a media 'sting' involving 'Fake Sheikh' Mazher Mahmood, in which Eriksson stated he would be willing to quit his post to manage Aston Villa and be backed by Mahmood's millions, he announced his intentions to stand down after the 2006 World Cup. Despite another losing quarter-final appearance, England's world ranking rose from seventeenth to fourth under Eriksson, who was rated as England's second most successful manager behind Sir Alf Ramsey.

2003 Singer Maurice Gibb dies from complications following an operation to

correct an intestinal blockage. Maurice and his twin brother Robin were born on the Isle of Man, later emigrating to Australia with the family in 1958. Together with their older brother Barry, the three siblings formed the Bee Gees in 1963 and went on to enjoy a career that spanned four decades and album sales of more than 110 million. Maurice helped write and perform nineteen British top ten hits, including five number ones and more than fifty hits worldwide such as Staying Alive, How Deep is Your Love and Jive Talkin'. They were also behind

the bestselling soundtrack to the 1970s film, Saturday Night Fever. By the age of twenty-one, Maurice reportedly owned six Rolls Royces and eight Aston Martins but he grew increasingly dependent on alcohol, which was a contributing factor to the collapse of his marriage to singer Lulu. Maurice's death came fifteen years after brother Andy died from a heart attack brought on by alcohol and drug abuse. All three were awarded the CBE in 2002.

2004 The world's largest ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary 2, makes its maiden voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Designed in 2003 by a team of British naval architects, it was built in France on behalf of the Cunard Line and required over 40% more steel than a standard cruise ship in order to fulfil her primary role as chief passenger vessel across the Atlantic. Almost 4,000 passengers and crew can enjoy some of Queen Mary 2's facilities, including fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea, making her the flagship of Cunard. In the winter season she cruises from New York to the Caribbean on twelve or thirteen-day tours with her longest cruise, a 99 night round-the-world

journey from Southampton, costing over £140,000! During the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Queen Mary 2 was used as a floating hotel for such dignitaries as Tony and Cherie Blair and US President George W Bush.

My first time

Today's match sponsor, Neil Richmond, shares with us his memories of his first Horsham match – a local derby in every sense as the Hornets took on landlords Horsham YMCA during our Southern Combination League championship winning campaign of 2015/16. "Some festive weekends are hectic, with family commitments sending you back to work in desperate need of a rest. For whatever reason, Easter 2016 was a quiet one and I found myself at a loose end on the Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. I had been keeping an eye on the upturned fortunes of Horsham FC via the County Times - a literal armchair fan. However, despite having lived in Horsham for the last four years, I had never made it along to Gorings Mead. Faced with the Hornets' scheduled ‘away’ fixture at Horsham YMCA I succumbed to temptation that sunny Easter Monday afternoon. It was a life changing decision.

Like many, I had become disillusioned with Premiership football (though, as an Everton fan, ‘disillusioned’ is a permanent state of mind when it comes to all matters football). I had increasingly found myself reminiscing fondly on my childhood days in the 1970s, spent watching my older cousin playing for Lancaster City in the Northern Premier League. The time had come to reacquaint myself with the non- league variety of the beautiful game.

Ten minutes in and … ‘wow, how refreshing is this!’. When decked by an ill-timed tackle, players were just getting up and getting on with the game. Skill levels were impressively high, the passion and commitment shown by both players and fans equally so. First impressions – there might just be some pleasure to be had out of this.

And later came the clincher – a second goal for the Hornets, provoking a rousing response from the Lardy Army (strong in number in that promotion year, as yet unaffected by the exile in Lancing which was to come). A chorus of 'one team in Horsham, there’s only one team…etc' rang out around the ground. Mildly amusing but wonderfully undermined by the retort from the YMCA faithful – 'one ground in Horsham, there’s only one ground…etc'. Brilliant, I thought, this non-league lark is definitely for me!

Aside from a healthy 4-0 score-line accelerating the Hornet’s push for promotion, it was the wonderfully ‘grounded’ nature of the whole experience that sticks most in my mind - that and seeing the players and management up close and personal. I remember Joe Shelley leading by example, with his uncompromising grit; Alex Duncan, all heart and ‘die for the team’ commitment; Terry Dodd, a blunderbuss of a goal scoring machine; and above all the wispy Shaggy lookalike on the wing with the breath-taking ball control.

Yes, there were a myriad of things that got me hooked that day but, above all, it was a silly crowd song and the golden feet of Darren Boswell. Sadly ‘Bossie’ has since moved on but I am still here, my armchair cashed in for a yellow and green scarf and a treasured season ticket. Come on you Hornets!"

Monday 28th March 2016 Southern Combination League Premier Division Horsham YMCA 0 Horsham 4 (Joe Shelley 2, Terry Dodd 2) Attendance: 488 Horsham returned to the top of the table with a slightly flattering victory over their landlords. Joe Shelley opened the scoring on twenty-two minutes and Terry Dodd doubled the lead, five minutes into the second half. Shelley headed in number three, midway through the half, and Dodd completed the rout five minutes later with his second of the match. Horsham: James Shaw, Alex Duncan, Mark Knee, Kevin Keehan Ash Jones, Charlie Farmer, Joe Shelley, Adam Hunt, Terry Dodd Kieron Pamment, Darren Boswell Subs: Brad Lewis, Jordan Clark, Harry Smith

HORSHAM WHYTELEAFE Amber & Lincoln Green Light Blue

Josh Pelling Tyler McCarthy Steve Metcalf Bryan Akongo

Joey Taylor Matthew O'Donoghue Harvey Sparks Ricardo Thompson

Dylan Merchant Harvey Brand Dean Lovegrove Corey Holder Charlie Harris Bradley Wilson George Hayward Bentley Graham Lee Harding Lauris Chin Jack Brivio Marvin Armstrong Rob O'Toole Kelvin Ogboe Chris Smith Helge Orome Tyrell Richardson-Brown Jamie McGeoghegan James McElligott Joshua Malcom Tom Baxter David Owusu-Akyeaw Scott Kirkwood Valentino Carpene

Referee: Casimir Nzenga Assistant Referees: Timothy Godfray & Daniel Batchelor

COMING NEXT TO CULVER ROAD: Saturday 26th January 2019 Bostik League South East Division RAMSGATE Kick-off 3pm Admission £9 adults, £5 concessions, £1 U16s

website: www.horsham-fc.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook/HorshamFC Twitter: @horshamfc

All original material © 2019

Horsham Football Club Limited. Registered in England No. 1494925. Limited by Shares: Major Shareholding (38.16%) Horsham Football Club Trustees. Registered Address: 30-34 North Street, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1DW