Minus three players on Sussex Reps duty, Horsham travelled to Ratton Rangers Colts for a long awaited second round League Cup Tie.

Despite the small size and state of the pitch, Horsham were straight out of the blocks and soon pressuring the Ratton defence and, within minutes, were rewarded with their 1st corner.

It was 15 minutes before Horsham had the first clear chance but were denied by 2 fine saves and, seconds later, Drew McGill headed just over. Aiden Enticknapp was next to draw a good save with a low hard shot from the left. It was Ratton that got the early breakthrough just before the half hour when a through ball was pounced on by their striker and slotted home.

This was enough to spur the young Hornets on and, 6 minutes later, the score was level when George Hall, after initially missing the ball, managed to turn it into the net on his second attempt.

Within seconds of the restart, Horsham and Hall’s tally was doubled after he turned in a David O’Callaghan free kick. With the half running out, Hall completed his hat trick when he blocked a Dan Petchey shot on the Ratton line before back healing it in.

The second half started with Matt Merridew and Sam Bulley replacing Matt Mayes and Dan Petchey. Horsham came out strong and started to dominate the match, restricting Ratton to the occasional break. 13 minutes in, Sam Bulley came close to adding to the tally heading an O’Callaghan free kick narrowly wide.

Hall had a chance for his 4th, after battling through the middle of the box, placing his shot just wide. This was to be Hall’s last action being replaced by Petchey. The 68th minute saw Horsham seal the tie when a powerful shot from the left by O’Callaghan couldn’t be held by the keeper.

The final change saw Stuart Chester make way for a returning Mayes and, a minute later, Lewis Scally’s persistence was rewarded with his first Horsham goal. With time running out Petchey finished the scoring with a solo effort that left the keeper no chance. With 3 goals in each half Horsham ran out well deserved 6 – 1 winners.