EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 1 HORSHAM 3

Kieran Towse, Stuart Chester, Zack Gray, Joss Knowles, Matt Mayes, Daryl Jeeves, Dan Petchey, Marcus Collier, Matt Clarke, George Hall, Louis Masih, Subs – Sam Bulley, Josh Clack, Ryan Wotton

Goalscorers – Petchey, Clack, Hall

Horsham travelled to Eastbourne Borough looking to book a place in their third successive County Cup Finals but, from the off, Eastbourne showed their intent and applied massive pressure on the Horsham defence forcing Matt Bulley’s side to play mainly in their own half.

Having had 3 corners in the first 8 minutes, Eastbourne broke down Horsham’s left and the ensuing strike was stopped by a magnificent save from Kieran Towse. On 19 minutes Horsham’s first period of pressure resulted in a shot from Dan Petchey sailing in the top right corner and the young Hornets took the lead against the run of play. The next 12 minutes saw more even play and pressure from Horsham resulted in a corner, taken by Matt Mayes and headed home by Josh Clack to extend the lead. With just 3 minutes left in the half, Eastbourne cut the deficit when a long-range strike struck the crossbar and fell to one of their players to tap in.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first with Horsham being forced to defend in numbers. However, despite all the pressure, they were unable to get a clear chance on goal and Horsham were starting to look dangerous on the break. With the half settled into this pattern of Eastbourne pressure and breaks by the Hornets, Horsham were starting to look the more likely to score. First Petchey had a long range shot go just over and then Clack twice broke down the right and shot over or just wide.

With the game coming to an end Horsham had a good chance for a 3rd when the ball bobbled around the Eastbourne area with neither side being able to get positive contact. The game was settled in the final seconds when George Hall closed the keeper down just outside his area and confusion between him and one of his defenders resulted in Hall stepping in and taking the ball around the keeper to slot home.

This result sees Horsham book their place in the Final against Lindfield Juniors who beat Adur Athletic 4-3.

The next match is a trip to Fishergate Flyers in the league.