Julian Simon-Parson stepped off the bench to grab the only goal of the game as Horsham's poor form continued with defeat against the division's basement club. John Maggs handed League debuts to 16 year olds George Magnus and Adam Hutchings and, after a fairly uninspiring first half, both sides had chances to win the game with Rob Tolfrey and Ollie Morris-Saunders producing fine saves. The Hornets were controversially denied a goal when Claude Seanla's header was ruled out for offside and Simon-Parson rubbed salt in the wounds when he netted the winning goal just 3 minutes from time to give the Swifts only their second home league win of the campaign. Horsham now face a daunting few weeks as they look to avoid being dragged in to a relegation dogfight after Harrow, Billericay, Harlow and Hendon all picked up vital points this evening. Full report...

John Maggs takes his battle weary troops to Essex tonight in search of a first win in 6 games, knowing that a failure to return with all 3 points will mean an end to any promotion aspirations his side might still have. Arguably there could be no better place for Horsham to go to end a 5 match winless run than rock bottom Heybridge who have just a solitary home win to their name this season. However, the Hornets' weakened squad, allied to the Swifts' success at Harlow at the weekend, leaves it difficult to predict the outcome of this tie for which Gary Charman and Darren Budd are doubts through injury and illness. Former Heybridge striker Reggie Savage could start on the bench on his return to his former stomping ground as Maggs considers giving a first league start of the season to Steve Davies while youngsters George Magnus and Adam Hutchings are expected to be included in the travelling party. Supporters are reminded that this match kicks off at 7.30pm.

Lee Carney is likely to miss the rest of the season after aggravating his troublesome knee during Saturday's defeat at Wealdstone. The midfielder is definitely out of Tuesday's trip to Heybridge Swifts but John Maggs admits that time is not on Carney's side with just 8 games remaining. "We've probably brought him back too early," Maggs admitted, "but if I'm honest, we were a bit desperate for him to play. If we'd have got a win (at Wealdstone) then we'd have been in with a shout for the play-offs still. Unfortunately we put in another poor performance and, although its still mathematically possible, the odds are stacked against us now. It may be that we have to give Lee more time to recover so that could be it from him for the rest of the season which would be a massive blow for us."

The first steps to upgrade Horsham YMCA's Gorings Mead ground took place today with the arrival of two new grandstands. With a Ryman League inspection due on Wednesday, ahead of the Hornets' proposed groundshare with their town neighbours, work began in earnest with the delivery of the temporary stands to accommodate 135 fans. The structures are the biggest additions of several requirements set out by the League.

Dover Athletic confirmed the inevitable this weekend when they were crowned Ryman Premier Division champions, despite there still being 8 games left to play! Andy Hessenthaler's side have led the division since early September and clinched a second successive championship in style with a 6-0 thrashing of 4th placed Sutton United in front of nearly 1500 fans at the Crabble on Saturday. A 5th successive draw for nearest challengers Staines Town means that the Kent club can no longer be caught and they can now begin to prepare for life in the Blue Square Conference South next season.

The club was saddened to learn of the recent death of former manager Pat Tobin. Horsham had just suffered relegation to Athenian League Division Two when Pat took charge in 1966 and he immediately began to transform the team's fortunes, guiding them to an FA Cup First Round meeting with Swindon Town in his first season. The club were Sussex Senior Cup runners-up on three consecutive occasions and would finish 3rd, 3rd and 5th during Pat's tenure, laying the foundation for Horsham's championship success of 1969/70 under Roy Osborne. Our condolences go to Pat's family at this sad time.

Horsham lost Lee Carney to a recurrence of his knee injury as they suffered an afternoon to forget at Grosvenor Vale. The midfielder's return to action lasted just 54 minutes of a disappointing display that saw Ryan Ashe's 16th goal of the season secure  Wealdstone a victory to put a further dent in Horsham's play-off ambitions. Stones' current player of the year struck in the 23rd minute when he curled a free-kick past Rob Tolfrey but the Hornets offered little in reply and Alan Massey also hit the post for Wealdstone who move to within 3 points of 5th placed Staines with this 3rd successive home win. Full report...

A case of tonsillitis threatens to keep Darren Budd out of the side for Saturday's trip to Ruislip Manor as John Maggs' patched up side look to maintain their impressive away form with a difficult match against Wealdstone (kick-off 2pm). The Hornets have lost just once on their league travels since November's 6-1 pasting at Harrow Borough and will be encouraged by their battling draw at Staines Town on Tuesday night that keeps them in contention for a play-off spot with 9 games remaining. Lee Carney is confident of returning after a 6 match absence, and Gary Charman is expected to recover after picking up a knock against the Swans, but Williams Peauroux continues to struggle with a swollen knee and is rated as doubtful while Sam Page and Ian Payne are both ruled out through injury. Wealdstone's midweek victory over AFC Hornchurch saw them leapfrog the Hornets in to 8th place with match winner Ryan Ashe scoring his 4th goal in 3 games, and his 15th of the season, but Maggs' side will be out for revenge after their 2-0 loss at Woodside Road back in November.

Horsham's hopes of a hat-trick of successes in the Brighton Charity Cup were ended this evening when they went down 3-2 to County Leaguers Shoreham. The Musslemen got off to the perfect start when Yinka Salaam put through his own net in the opening minute and things got worse for the Hornets when Sean Grice doubled the advantage to put the hosts in the driving seat. However Reggie Savage reduced the deficit with a spectacular strike from distance and a scrambled effort from Ebenezer Masade sent the match in to extra time only for Kevin Keehan to grab the winner in the first minute of the additional half hour with a far post header. The Hornets will feel themselves unlucky not to have won the match after Savage and Salaam had both seen efforts come back off the woodwork but it is Shoreham who go on to contest the final against either Seaford Town or Chichester City United. Full report....

Sam Page could be back in action as early as 4 weeks' time after a scan on his injured knee revealed ligament damage and 'floating material', allaying fears that the defender would be out for the remainder of the season. The popular captain became the latest injury setback for John Maggs who admits that he is still cautious about his captain's progress "I guess its as good as we could have hoped for," admitted John Maggs. "He took a pretty heavy knock but there's no break and Sam could be back in time for the Easter programme but it depends on where we are that stage of the season as to whether I consider its worth risking him."

John Maggs has named 7 players from the U18 squad for tomorrow night's trip to Shoreham as the Hornets go in search of a 3rd successive Brighton Charity Cup Final appearance (ko 7.45pm). George Magnus and Niall O'Hagen will continue their successful partnership in the centre of defence and Reggie Savage is expected to lead the attack but, with a vital league match against Wealdstone to be played just 48hrs later, Maggs is unlikely to risk too many of his first teamers against a side who are playing their second semi-final in 3 days after bravely bowing out of the Sussex Senior Cup against Eastbourne Borough on penalties on Tuesday night. Williams Peauroux is expected to miss the next 2 games through injury so player/coach Mark Hawthorne stands by for his first appearance since April.

A magnificent defensive display from the Hornets saw them return from Wheatsheaf Park with a point from a goalless draw against second placed Staines, a result that keeps alive Horsham's outside chance of making the play-offs. In a game of very few chances, Claude Seanla had a goal ruled out for offside during a second half that began some 25 minutes late following an injury to a linesman. Richard Butler's late shot was deflected in to Rob Tolfrey's arms as the Swans had to content themselves with a 4th consecutive draw that sees them lose further ground on leaders Dover Athletic. Full report here

In a first step to get Horsham FC back to Horsham on a permanent basis, discussions have been taking place between Horsham YMCA and Horsham FC on the subject of a possible ground share from next season for a limited period until Horsham FC can build their own new ground.

Officials of the two clubs are broadly in agreement over terms and The Ryman League in which Horsham FC play are very keen to see the Hornets back in Horsham after a season playing at Worthing.

Horsham FC Secretary John Lines said “Our supporters have been magnificent at Worthing but there are many who have found it extremely difficult to spend the time and the money in travelling down there and as a consequence our gates have suffered and so has the Club financially. It would be fantastic for all concerned if we can get back to Horsham as soon as possible. To that end, the Management and Trustees of YMCA have been incredibly helpful to us and the discussions that have taken place have been very open and fruitful. Whilst there is a willingness and determination on both sides to make it happen, there is still some way to go yet.
For instance, we would have to make certain ground improvements for the Ryman deadline date of 31st March in order to meet their Ground Grading system requirements. That is not impossible but there is a question mark over whether the Sussex County League will permit the ground share. It would be a huge disappointment if they choose not to allow it, particularly as it will not in any way affect County League Fixtures and especially when it will benefit both Clubs who are long standing members of The Sussex County FA. That will not be an issue, of course, if YMCA gain promotion to the Ryman League as the Board of The Ryman League are very keen to see Horsham FC back in Horsham. We will be working around the clock to try to achieve the result that will be a huge boost for football in the town. I would finally like to add that the Board of Horsham FC are immensely grateful to all at Worthing FC for the superb facilities they have provided for us this past season and for their understanding of our situation.”

A knee injury leaves Williams Peauroux rated as only 50/50 for tomorrow's testing trip to Staines Town but Alex Haddow returns to the starting line-up after missing the last 3 matches through suspension and illness (kick-off 7.45pm). The former Bognor man sat out Saturday's woeful display against Hendon with a cold and John Maggs will hope that his inclusion will provide the spark that has been missing in recent games as Horsham try to become only the second visiting side to take 3 points from Wheatsheaf Park this season. Horsham's record at Staines is pretty good with only two defeats in seven visits but, with Lee Carney suspended and club captain Sam Page due to undergo a scan on his injured knee this week, Maggs is left with the increasingly familiar task of shuffling his pack for a match that Horsham dare not lose if they are to retain their interest in reaching the promotion play-offs. Second placed Staines are unbeaten in 8 games and were convincing winners in the corresponding fixture last season, banging home 4 unanswered goals, but Horsham have already beaten the Swans this season and will be keen to produce a first league 'double' over the Middlesex club since 1972.

Following intervention from the league, our away game against Hendon has been rearranged for Tuesday 21st April, kick off 7.45pm. This match will take place at Wembley FC's Vale Farm ground.

John Maggs was in unforgiving mood as he reflected on yesterday's defeat against Hendon that saw his side lose ground on the promotion chasing pack. A goal at the end of each half saw the relegation threatened visitors earn a repeat of last season's scoreline but it was the manner of the defeat that upset the the boss. "Not one of my players came out of that match with any credit," Maggs fumed. "No-one can accuse us of not being up for the game and we got off to a great start but were absolute rubbish after that. You sensed that we weren't going to last until half-time without conceding a goal but the equaliser was very sloppy and we laid in to the lads at half-time but it didn't seem to make any difference. We were weak in midfield, did nothing up front and when Sam (Page) went off, we just left it open for their lad to go on and get the winner." Maggs' weekend was made worse with the suggestion that he could be without his captain for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. "We'll know more in the next 48 hours but I think the best we can hope for is that Sam will be out for a couple of weeks. Worst case is that he'll be out for the season. He got caught on the side of the knee and how their fella's not been booked for it, I don't know."

Horsham's hopes of closing in on a promotion play-off spot were dashed after this dismal home defeat against relegation threatened Hendon. The Hornets were given the perfect start when Darren Budd thrashed home a shot from 25 yards but it was the visitors who enjoyed the greater possession and it took a point blank save from Rob Tolfrey to prevent Peter Dean from levelling after getting the better of Anthony Acheampong. A well rehearsed free-kick produced Hendon's equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Sam Vargas scored from close range and Tolfrey denied Lee O'Leary after the break before the Hendon man was stretchered off with a broken leg with quarter of an hour remaining. Gary Charman hit the crossbar for the Hornets who then lost skipper Sam Page to a worrying knee injury and the Greens made it an afternoon to forget for the home side when Harry Hunt fired a shot in off the post in the 90th minute to take the points back to Middlesex. Full report and goal highlights here

Horsham welcome back Alex Haddow for Saturday's visit of Hendon after a 2 match suspension, for what promises to be an entertaining tussle between two sides seeking maximum points for conflicting reasons. The Hornets hold games in hand on all the sides currently above them in the Ryman Premier Division table and sit just 2 wins outside the play-off places while Hendon will want to maintain their excellent recent form as they bid to escape the relegation zone in this, their centenary season. Lee Carney has additional time to recover from his injured knee as he misses the next 2 games through suspension but otherwise John Maggs has a full squad to choose from with Reggie Savage and Darren Budd available after missing Wednesday's cup tie. The Greens are currently one of the division's form sides having collected 10 points from their last 5 matches, including a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Ramsgate last Saturday, and must surely fancy their chances of avoiding the drop with 6 of their remaining 10 games at 'home'. With a proud record to defend of never having been relegated from any division, in any league, in their 100 year history, Maggs know that Saturday's visitors will prove tricky opponents and is calling on the club's supporters to put Wednesday's disappointment behind them and give the side their full support in this vital match. As part of the Comic Relief fundraising effort, supporters will be invited to take part in a half-time penalty competition while children under 16 will be admitted free of charge, when accompanied by an adult. Last season's corresponding fixture saw Hendon take the points, thanks to an injury time goal from Belal Aiteouakrim in a 2-1 win.

Horsham moved to within 5 points of the play-off places with a narrow victory at lowly Margate this afternoon, thanks to Reggie Savage's first half header. The much travelled striker superbly converted Mark Knee's excellent cross after just 7 minutes to secure a league double over Terry Yorath's side who face a nervous end to the season as they strive to stave off the threat of relegation. The Blues had their chances to take something out of the game but Kenny Pratt wasted the best opportunity when he fired wide after Jon Healy's first half effort had hit the post and the Hornets, led by the outstanding Sam Page, defended resolutely to secure a 7th away win of the season. Full report & match highlights here

Horsham will be without the suspended Alex Haddow for Saturday's trip to Margate but Lee Carney should be fit to face Terry Yorath's Blues, despite limping out of last weekend's match against Maidstone with a knee injury. Speaking on Tuesday night, Carney revealed that much of the swelling around his knee had disappeared but, with only 10 league games remaining, the midfielder is anxious not to return too quickly and risk missing further games but added "if it feels okay then I'll be out there." Gary Charman, one of Horsham's goalscorers in the 2-0 win against Margate back in November, remains a doubt due to a troublesome back injury but the squad will be boosted by the return of Russell Eldridge after a two match absence while Reggie Savage, who missed Tuesday's win at Wick due to travel issues, returns to one of his former clubs with George Magnus rewarded for an impressive midweek display with a place in the travelling party. An intriguing contest awaits at Hartsdown Park with the Hornets, defeated just twice in thirteen matches, up against a Margate side who are fighting hard to stave off the threat of relegation. Victories against Ashford, Tooting and Boreham Wood, coupled with vital draws against Hastings and Dartford, has helped move the Blues to within three points of 16th placed Ramsgate and they anxiously await a decision from the league regarding their recently abandoned match at Canvey Island in which they sensationally led 4-0 before the floodlights failed with just minutes remaining. If allowed to stand, Margate will have the second best goalscoring record in the division over the last six matches, an impressive record given that the side had managed just 27 in their previous 28 games !

Two quickfire goals from Steve Davies helped maintain the Hornets' grip on the Brighton Charity Cup with a routine victory at Wick this evening. The striker, who is dual signed with Horsham and the County Leaguers, stunned the hosts by opening the scoring after just 2 minutes and he added a second 7 minutes later, heading home Ian Payne's cross. Tony Nwachukwu treated the handful of travelling supporters to his flamboyant celebration after adding a third goal with quarter of an hour remaining and Mark Knee struck the foot of the post with a first time shot as Wick rarely troubled Rob Frankland in the Horsham goal. Teenagers George Magnus and Niall O'Hagen put in impressive performances in the heart of the defence while U18s 'keeper Dominic Burchell ensured a clean sheet with an excellent save after replacing Frankland late on. Full report can be seen here

George Magnus and Niall O'Hagen continue to form a youthful central defensive partnership as John Maggs maintains his pledge to give the club's youngsters a chance to impress in this season's Brighton Charity Cup. The pair drew praise from the manager after helping the Hornets defeat Pagham in the previous round and Maggs had little hesitation in naming a virtually unchanged side for tonight's trip to Wick with the duo's U18 team-mates Louie Murray, Tom Hoole and Dominic Burchell all hoping to follow in the footsteps of Tony Nwachukwu in breaking through in to the first team squad. Steve Davies will face the side with whom he holds dual registration, replacing Kevin Joyce, while Reggie Savage, Williams Peauroux, Rob Frankland and Ian Payne will add their experience to the side. Wick moved in to 2nd place in the County League Division 1 table on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Worthing United, thanks to goals from former Lewes midfielder Julian Curnow and leading scorer Phil Turner, and boast an unbeaten run of 6 matches. The sides met last season when the Hornets triumphed 2-0 in a Senior Cup tie switched to Crabtree Park with the Queen Street unplayable following the epic FA Cup tie with Swansea City.

Lee Carney faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's trip to Margate after hobbling out of the weekend draw against Maidstone with a swollen knee. Boss John Maggs was unhappy with the incident that threatens to sideline his creative midfielder, calling it a 'red card offence'. "Lee's gone in for the challenge and, to be fair, probably deserved a yellow but their guy's gone and stamped on his knee while he was on the ground. It was deliberate and he should have been sent off." Despite Carney's premature exit, the Hornets battled to a hard earned draw, a result Maggs admits he was happy with under the circumstances. "We played all the football in the first half but they could have had a couple of goals. Rob's pulled off a tremendous save and then Tony (Nwachukwu) headed against the crossbar to keep another effort out. To be honest, we huffed and puffed without Lee after the break but we kept at it and deserved our equaliser. Both managers will probably saw their side deserved to win so maybe a draw was the right outcome."

A controversial equaliser from Claude Seanla earned Horsham a point from their visit to Bourne Park this afternoon in a game that was overshadowed for the Hornets by an injury to Lee Carney. The midfielder was taken to hospital after sustaining a first half knee injury and John Maggs will be hoping that his playmaker will be fit for the season's run in after Seanla's 9th goal of the campaign kept the Hornets in contention for a play-off place. There was more than a hint of handball about the goal that cancelled out James Pinnock's 60th minute opener and the visitors will also be grateful to a superb first half save from goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey and a goal-line clearance from Tony Nwachukwu as they stretched their unbeaten league run to 4 games.
Full report...

"One of our best displays of the season" was how John Maggs described the 3-1 win over Maidstone United back in October and the manager takes his squad to Sittingbourne for the reverse fixture this Saturday knowing that a similar performance could see Horsham make further ground on the promotion play-off contenders with just a dozen games remaining (ko 3pm). More...

John Maggs paid tribute to the spirit of the dressing room after watching his side move to within 6 points of the play-off places with a 2-0 win against Ashford Town at the weekend. More...