HORSHAM 0 MILE OAK 1

HORSHAM U18s:
1.Tom Baxter (Dominic Burchell) 2.Danny Bryant 3.Andy Whittingham 4.Harry Pleece 5.Matt Dingle 6.Darren James (Joe Giacomelli 7.Matt Whiteford (Josh Eades) 8.Fred Bowles 9.Elliot Hawkes 10.Patrick O'Sullivan (Joe Baker) 11.Tony Nwachukwu

Horsham were defeated by the only goal of the game in their final warm up game against Mile Oak at Queen Street. Manager Ivan Raby was without six of his squad due to holidays so took the opportunity to look at a number of the under 16 players. On a hot morning both teams started the game at a blistering pace with the visitors forcing a number of brilliant saves out of 'keeper Tom Baxter. The Hornets were also causing problems with Tony Nwachukwu in good form on the left flank. Now it was the turn of the visitors' 'keeper to keep his side in the game and in the last ten minutes of the half the Hornets showed their class with some great passing football with a number of chances failing to hit the target.
The second half saw Horsham make a number of changes and Mile Oak were working hard to close down the Horsham midfield and stifle the play. Midway through the half the visitors scored the decisive goal when the Horsham defence failed to deal with a long ball down the middle and the visitors' centre forward put his shot past Baxter to put his side in front. Horsham came back strongly and will wonder how they failed to score with one attempt cleared off the line by a Mile Oak defender, and a number of others going wide. The visitors worked hard in the heat to defend their lead and look a team who could go well in the County Youth League this season. Manager Ivan Raby said "This was a good workout for the lads and gave me a chance to try players in a few different positions. We are still a bit short at the moment but will be getting four of the squad back in time for the season's opener at Carshalton on Wednesday".
 

NEXT MATCH: v Carshalton Athletic (a) Wednesday 29th August ko 7.45pm