John Maggs praised the midfield partnership of Steve Sergeant and Lee Carney as the Hornets strolled to victory over landlords Horsham YMCA in this friendly fixture, arranged to cover an otherwise blank weekend for both sides after their early elimination from the FA Trophy. Sergeant, trialling with Horsham after being released by YM earlier this week, impressed as the Premier Division side raced into a 4-0 interval lead, prompting Maggs to announce his intention to sign the former Leatherhead man early next week.

"Steve's partnership with Lee looks very tidy," Maggs commented. "They knitted together very well and I think it would be a good move for us to get the lad on board. I need to get YM to cancel his registration tomorrow (Monday) but then we can get him in for next week's game with Cray."

The victory was a welcome confidence booster for the Hornets after the debacle against Barton Rovers but Maggs refused to go overboard about his side's biggest win of the season. "I'm not crowing about it. I think the result just highlighted the difference between the 2 divisions and is what I would have expected. We could have doubled our score by half-time but we made a lot of changes in the second half and we weren't as effective but the idea was to give everyone a run out and it was good to get 90 minutes out of Mark Knee."

There were concerns after Carney appeared to jar his ankle, prompting his immediate withdrawal, but Maggs believes his midfield maestro should still be fit to face Cray. "I was pleased with Lee. We started with him and it was our intention to only give him half a game but he came in at the break and wanted to carry on. Unfortunately I think he jarred himself in one of the holes on the pitch so we took him off straight away but he should be okay for next week."

Maggs was also quick to praise his under-fire centre-backs, Anthony Acheampong and Sam Page, who had come in for criticism in recent weeks after the side had conceded a number of sloppy goals. "Anthony did well at the back, much more confident, and Sam was back to his usual self. Pat Harding looked sharp, and took his goals well, and Claude got a good goal from out near the touchline but I don't know whether it was a cross or a shot !"

13 year old Alex Holmes brings us this report of the match, winning our competition to find our best young reporter. Alex wins himself a prize, to be presented to him at next week's match:

Few spectators looked on as Horsham thumped local rivals YM 5-0 yesterday on a dull, late October afternoon. With both teams out of the F.A Trophy, the free weekend gave manager John Maggs the chance to see two new trialists in action in a friendly.

The match started well and Pat Harding opened the scoring early on; tucking home on the turn after collecting a loose ball. He went on to double Horsham’s lead before a spectacular goal by Claude Seanla made it three goals to nil. He struck it sweetly with the outside of his boot as it curled and dipped, lobbing the YM keeper. Just before half time the ball fell to Lee Carney to tuck the ball home from 20 yards. Jack Lyons and the debutant Steve Sergeant were dominating the midfield; with Jack creating plenty of chances and Sergeant spraying passes all over the field. So John Maggs didn’t need to say all that much at the interval, I’m sure he will have been impressed by the first half display of his men.

The second half was certainly more evenly fought, but the four goal deficit YM faced was too much, and despite the best efforts from former Horsham winger John Westcott and left back Nigel Brake, the attacks were easily dealt with by Sam Page and Anthony Acheampong, the pair on top form. The second trialist, Henry Kawesa, came on up front and grabbed himself a debut goal, heading in a cross at the back post. John Westcott missed a good chance, but YM’s chances were few and far between, Rob Tolfrey only being forced into one good save, palming over his crossbar to stop a shot from the YM left.

The full time whistle blew, and Horsham ran out 5-0 winners, and face hosting Cray Wanderers next Saturday in the league. YM however face a trip to Whyteleafe next up in the league.

NEXT MATCH: v Cray Wanderers (h) Saturday 7th November ko 3pm