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This game would provide Horsham with a tougher test than that
offered by Billingshurst men’s team three days earlier. Arundel’s U18s
are a well established side, having played together for may years and
it was perhaps no surprise when the Hornets’ depleted side found
themselves on the wrong side of a 6-4 scoreline. Despite players being
absent, due to holidays and injury, the visitors began the game
brightly and took an early lead when Tony
Nwachukwu
found the net with a long range effort. Arundel were strong and
organised but just could not put their efforts away, denied by
goalkeeper Tom Baxter and their own inaccurate shooting. Ten minutes
into the match Joe Baker had to come off with an injury and Patrick
Surlis was introduced on the wing which gave Horsham another attacking
outlet. Having soaked up the pressure from Arundel,
Nwachukwu
struck again to give Ivan Raby’s side a 2-0 lead at the break. Further
injuries picked up during the first half meant Horsham had to
reshuffle the squad around at the interval and Arundel quickly
capitalised on this by scoring two quick goals to bring the scores
level. A set piece saw Arundel score from a corner and Horsham were on
the back foot as they tried to re-organise themselves only to be
punished twice more to now find themselves 5 -2 down. The youngsters
fought back and worked hard together to see Jordon
Williams
score from twenty five yards out. With 10 minutes to go, under 16
players Alex Green and Patrick
O'Sullivan
linked up with Green supplying the cross for his team-mate to head
into the bottom corner. Arundel were awarded a penalty late on which
hit the post only to see an Arundel player react first to the follow
up. Manager Ivan Raby said the squad worked hard for each other, which
was encouraging, and he had learnt a lot about his players and could
take many positives from the game. Arundel are sure to be among the
favourites for the title this season so this was a good work out for
our lads who despite a number of injuries in the game showed a good
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