KINGSTONIAN 5 HORSHAM 1

HORSHAM U18s:
Tom Baxter, Matt Dingle (Fred Bowles), Andy Whittingham, Josh Edes, Dan Bryant, Michael Dale (Joe Baker), Matt Whiteford, Danny Hutchings, Dean Wright, Elliot Hawkes, Tony Nwachukwu (Pat Surlis) Unused subs: Harry Pleece, Jordan Williams.
Scorers: Wright

Horsham Youth put in their poorest display so far this season and went down to a heavy defeat against a spirited Kingstonian side in the dismal surroundings of Cobham Football Club where the home side share the venue. The Hornets put in a decent start to the game and were the better team in the opening exchanges and deservedly went ahead through a superbly struck effort from Dean Wright from 25 yards out. The hosts struggled to get into the game and, with Matt Whiteford causing problems on the right wing, Horsham were in the ascendancy. Despite getting forward Horsham were unable to create any more clear cut chances and Kingstonian gradually grew in confidence and started causing problems for the Hornets defence with their long balls played down the middle. Horsham started to look a bit shaky and were relying on 'keeper Tom Baxter to preserve the lead Eventually the equaliser came when the Horsham defence thought a ball was going out for a goal kick and Baxter was left stranded as Rob Sheridan netted easily to make it 1-1. Kingstonian never looked back from this point and, just before half time, a corner to the back post found Craig Mullen unchallenged and he headed home to give Kingstonian the lead.

Horsham started the second half well but, once again, were unable to break through the strong Kingstonian back four to test the 'keeper and 15 minutes into the half the game was over when Mullen grabbed his second of the night. Due to an injury to Matt Dingle, Horsham were forced to reshuffle in defence with the hard working Andy Whittingham moving from left back to centre half. Horsham were now struggling to contain the hosts and the Hornets midfield were not giving the back line enough protection and it was no surprise when a fourth goal came, this time from Ross Chalke. Horsham were now forced to dig in to prevent an embarrassing scoreline and the introduction of Pat Surlis and Joe Baker did shake things up a bit but passing and keeping the ball seemed to be beyond the Hornets tonight and a poorly defended free kick, which went through everyone, gave Kingstonian their fifth and final goal of the game from Mark Watkins and it was the visitors who were relieved to hear the final whistle.

NEXT MATCH: v Tooting & Mitcham United (a) Thursday 27th September ko 7.45pm