HORSHAM

Goalscorers

EASTBOURNE TOWN: Stonell (30)

EASTBOURNE TOWN 1 HORSHAM 1

Tuesday 30th August 2011

Ryman Youth League (South Division)

The Saffrons, Eastbourne

Attendance: 35

Horsham Youth got their season under way with a trip to Eastbourne Town and came away from The Saffrons with a well earned point. The Hornets were missing three of their defenders for the game, which saw Jordan Baxter move to central defence and debuts for full backs Ryan Hallett and Luke Taylor. Also making their first starts for the club were Pedro Silva and Dean O'Keefe while South African twin brothers Dan and Lagin Reicker among the substitutes.

Town started the brighter team and had The Hornets under pressure, with their quick winger looking dangerous on the left, and only last ditch defending and a fine save from goalkeeper Jonny Burfiend prevented the hosts from taking an early lead. Horsham eventually worked their way back in the game and forced a succession of corners but without coming close to opening the scoring.

The game became quite open, with Town's counter-attacking style catching the Hornets out on occasions, but it was a bizarre goal that broke the deadlock after 30 minutes when a long range looping effort clipped the underside of the bar and dropped just behind the line to give the home side the lead.

Horsham did not let their heads drop, though, and good work from Connor Brievik and Jack Surlis in midfield saw them finish the half strongly and they were rewarded just before the break when a Timi Ojo free-kick crept under the Town 'keeper's body to level the scores.

H/T Eastbourne Town 1 Horsham 1

Horsham came out fired up for the second half and had the hosts under pressure for the first 15 minutes but, despite going close a couple of times, could not find a breakthrough. Town came back into the game and always looked dangerous going forward but more brave defending, with captain Darian Clay outstanding at the back, kept them at bay.

The hosts did get a chance to retake the lead when they were awarded a penalty after the referee spotted a push at a corner but Burfiend made a fine save low down to his left. The game showed no signs of fading out as the last 15 minutes saw tired legs on both sides and a number of substitutions were made by both teams. Chances came at either end but the best fell to Eastbourne in the dying seconds with their striker missing his chance from close range.