LATEST NEWS

Horsham Football Club's annual Dinner / Dance will take place at the Russ Hill Hotel, Gatwick, on Saturday 17th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £30 and are available from chairman Frank King on 01403 264647 or mobile: 07739891719. This is always a well attended and enjoyable evening and gives supporters a great opportunity to meet the players at the end of what has been a memorable season. Discounted bedroom rates are available for those wishing to stay overnight.

The club will be displaying plans for their new Football Ground and Club at the Holbrook Club on Monday 19th May 2008 from 6pm until 8pm. Directors and members of the club will be available to answer questions and, in a further attempt to alleviate the fears of local residents, the club distributed leaflets this evening outlining its plans and seeking to answer a number of concerns raised in a leaflet recently raised by the Holbrook Neighbourhood Action Group. Read more...

Lewis Taylor became the first of John Maggs' squad to depart for pastures new when a move to Blue Square Conference South new boys AFC Wimbledon was confirmed today. Taylor enjoyed a brief spell with the the Kingsmeadow side before joining Horsham from Whyteleafe in the summer of 2006, going on to become a firm favourite with the Hornets' supporters with his energetic displays and some spectacular goals. The midfielder's departure comes as little surprise after his refusal to sign a new contract led to speculation as to where, rather than if, he would go. Ironically, Taylor's last league goal for the Hornets, his 22nd in 94 appearances in all competitions, came in the 4-2 win against the Dons back in March leaving their manager Terry Brown to proclaim him as "one of the most talented young midfielders in non league football". Taylor leaves with the best wishes of John Maggs. "I wish him all the very best and thank him for his efforts at the club. He has been a very very good player for us."

Tom Graves is contemplating a move to Blue Square Conference football after receiving a surprise offer from Premier Division new boys Lewes. Graves, who had a spell with the Rooks prior to joining Horsham in 2003, has emerged as one of several of John Maggs' squad to interest new Lewes boss Kevin Keehan as he looks to rebuild the side that won the Conference South title this season. "Tommy's uncle is part of the new consortium at Lewes and they've apparently made him an offer to join them next season," explained John Maggs. "I would never stand in the way of any player who wants to better himself but, to be fair to Tom, I've told him that it's a massive step up from Ryman Premier to National football and it'll be hard travelling up North to play nearly ever other weekend. I'm flattered, and a bit surprised, that Lewes are interested in so many of our players but it obviously means that we're doing something right at the club." There was promising news concerning Maggs' own targets, with an experienced striker believed to be considering a 'generous offer' from the club and the promise of a decision expected by the end of next week.

As the curtain comes down on another successful season for Horsham Youth Football, the club is looking for new players to join the club for the 2008/9 campaign. We will be fielding teams at Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 level and anyone interested in playing for the Hornets is invited to contact Youth Secretary Annie Raby on 01403 732706 or 07800 922442. Click here for more details
                                                    Horsham FC is an FA Chartered Club.

Horsham supporters will have to wait another year at least before making their ever popular visit to AFC Wimbledon as the Dons join Chelmsford City in celebrating promotion to the Blue Square Conference South after victory over Staines Town yesterday. Terry Brown's side left it late to claim their play-off final win, scoring both goals in the final 10 minutes with Marc De Bolla breaking the Swans' hearts with an 84th minute free-kick after Luis Cumbers had equalised Matt Flitter's first half opener for the home side. At the bottom of the table we bid adieu to Leyton, Folkestone Invicta, East Thurrock United and Boreham Wood but there is a sense of anticipation as we prepare to face some famous non-league sides next campaign. Promoted from Division One are Dover Athletic and Dartford, respective champions of the South and North divisions, as well as play-off winners Canvey Island and Tooting & Mitcham United. A failure to receive the necessary ground grading for Conference South football means that Cambridge City are demoted alongside Sutton United, whose Gander Green Lane has been the scene of some memorable matches in the past including the U's famous FA Cup victory against Coventry City.

Tuesday night's match report is now on-line

Paul Seuke joined team-mates Lee Carney and Jacob Mingle by putting pen to paper and agreeing to a new deal with the Hornets that will see him contracted to the club until May 2009. The highly rated goalkeeper signed up prior to last night's Brighton Charity Cup Final before going on to watch the Hornets' dramatic extra-time victory in the club's final match at Queen Street. Seuke joined Horsham from AFC Wimbledon in October, making his debut in the Sussex Senior Cup win against Rustington before going on to become first choice 'keeper ahead of Alan Mansfield. John Maggs was delighted to have secured Seuke's services and has promised further additions to the squad during the summer.

Queen Street finally got the send off it deserved as Horsham secured a narrow victory against East Preston in an enthralling Brighton Charity Cup Final tonight. With the scores level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes it was left to Gary Charman, the local lad with more than 400 Horsham appearances to his name,  to provide the most fitting of finales when he struck the winning goal with just 12 minutes of extra-time remaining to spark triumphant scenes on the crumbling terraces. Yet it looked for a while as if the County Leaguers were going to spoil the party, just as Billericay Town had done before them, when they took the lead after 11 minutes through Kevin Budge. The Hornets were back on level terms when Lee Farrell converted a fine pass from Gavin Bolger and they edged in front when Lewis Taylor rammed the ball home, just before the break. Under 18s 'keeper Tom Baxter enjoyed a fine game as replacement for hamstring victim Alan Mansfield but it was his opposite number, Tom Rand, who earned the plaudits with a man of the match display as the hosts dominated the second period. However, Rand's heroics enabled his team-mates to conjure up an 85th minute equaliser through James Rhodes to send the match in to extra-time and Charman's fairytale ending. As the presentations were completed, and the jubilant scenes had died down, supporters began to reflect on the end of an era. Of 104 years of football at this charismatic venue.

Saturday's match report and goals are now on-line

Horsham old boy Stafford Browne helped himself to a hat-trick as Horsham's league campaign ended on a losing note this afternoon at a sunny Scraley Road. On an afternoon that seemed to typify their season, the Hornets got off to a tremendous start with Lee Farrell netting after just 6 minutes and were sitting pretty when Dwain Clark restored the lead with a superb solo effort after Browne's 14th minute equaliser. The turning point of the game came on the stroke of half-time when Stuart Myall was dismissed for deliberate handball and Browne converted from the spot to leave Horsham with an uphill task in the second half. That it took until the 67th minute for the winning goal to come owed as much to Horsham's resolute defending as it did the strong wind but, when Browne stole in to volley home from 10 yards, the ten men were staring at a 5th successive league defeat. Despite some late pressure, backed by a sizeable travelling contingent, the visitors were unable to force an equaliser and were left to reflect on a season that had thrown up so many great memories but the realisation that their 11th place finish was the second lowest finish achieved in John Maggs' managerial reign.

There were emotional scenes this afternoon as Horsham threw a farewell party for their old Queen Street ground but it was Billericay who were left celebrating thanks to Billy Bicknell's 16th minute goal that saw them leapfrog the Hornets into 9th place and finally end their opponents' feint play-off aspirations. There were memories aplenty in the packed clubhouse before and after the game as dozens of former players and staff gathered to exchange stories and rekindle old friendships, the result of weeks of coordination from Horsham 'old boy' Iain Dunscombe, and, for once, the football seemed almost incidental as fans commemorated the end of an era with a colourful spectacle involving scarves, flags and smoke flares. Sadly, though, the football failed to match the carnival atmosphere and a second half flare-up involving Matt Geard and Dave McSweeney was a sour note on a fairly uninspiring encounter. Full report...

Horsham will bid farewell to their long serving Queen Street ground with a cup final appearance after Simon Austin's second half strike secured a hard earned Brighton Charity Cup success at Pagham tonight. Rob Frankland, making his first appearance in the Horsham goal in more than 2 seasons, was beaten after just 10 minutes when Ashley Hunter lobbed home from close range as the hosts made the better start but Eddie French equalised 5 minutes later with his second goal in as many games. Lions goalkeeper Wes Hallett pulled off a superb double save to ensure that the sides turned round on level terms at the break but it took Austin just 2 minutes of the second half to grab the winner, producing a quality finish from Andy Howard's cross. The spirited home side struggled to make much impact after going behind, in the face of a biting, inhospitable wind although Frankland had to be alert to keep out Tom Poole's far post header but Horsham held out comfortably and will now meet East Preston in the Queen Street final on Tuesday 29th April. Full report & goals...

Horsham Football Club has today received approval from the Ryman League to groundshare with Worthing Football Club from next season, subject to a number of legal issues being resolved between the league and Worthing FC. The announcement finally brings to an end months of speculation and will enable manager John Maggs, the club's committee and supporters  to plan for the 2008/9 campaign. The decision has been greeted with some relief by Chairman Frank King, and Secretary John Lines, who have worked tirelessly to secure the best possible future for the club while awaiting approval on planning application to develop the Holbrook Club. Plans to share the facilities at Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium were withdrawn last month, after the move became financially unviable, and a tenancy at Horsham YMCA and Broadbridge Heath were also dismissed as unworkable. The club would like to thank Worthing Football Club for their co-operation and support in securing this agreement.

Saturday's match report and photos are now on-line

Horsham are expected to discover this week if the Ryman League has agreed to approve next season's groundshare plans after paperwork was submitted on Friday. A meeting on Tuesday will determine whether the Hornets can proceed with the deal that 'has been approved by both clubs', according to chairman Frank King who is prohibited by the League from revealing the name of Horsham's potential landlords. "We have done all that has been asked of us by the Ryman League," revealed club secretary John Lines, "and now all we can do is to sit and wait for their verdict."

Two goals from Ramsgate's Sam Jones proved decisive as Horsham's faint hopes of reaching the promotion play-offs were all but ended after a 3-2 defeat. Both sides were missing key players but they produced an entertaining first half that saw Ben Laslett put through his own goal to give the Hornets a 15th minute lead only for the Rams to score twice in 10 minutes through Jones and skipper Warren Schulz. Nick Davis almost gifted the visitors a second goal when he headed against the crossbar before Schulz's Horsham counterpart, Eddie French, levelled things up when he volleyed home just before the interval. John Maggs' side had opportunities to retake the lead during the second period but they failed to take their chances and Jones made them pay when he grabbed the winning goal, 8 minutes from time. The defeat sees Horsham slip down to 10th and needing a minor miracle if they are to finish in the play-off places while only goal difference keeps the Rams out of the top 5 with just 2 games remaining.

Horsham will take on Pagham in the semi-finals of the Brighton Charity Cup on Thursday 17th April, kick-off at the County Leaguers' Nyetimber Lane ground is set for 7.45pm. The two sides last met in this same competition in January 2006 when the Hornets rolled out 8-2 winners. The winners will face either East Preston or Ringmer in the final

Paul Seuke will miss the rest of the season after breaking a finger in the 1-0 defeat against Harlow Town. The first choice goalkeeper was thought to have suffered a dislocation after colliding with team-mate Simon Austin towards the end of the first half of Saturday's match but an x-ray has revealed a break that will force him out of the Hornets' remaining fixtures. The injury is just the latest setback for the Hornets who, according to boss John Maggs, must win their last 3 fixtures to stand any chance of making the play-offs. Nigel Brake is unlikely to return this season after a recurrence of a knee injury while doubts also remain over the fitness of Lee Carney and Gary Charman, both of whom have missed Horsham's last  4 matches. Lewis Taylor is suspended for Saturday's trip to play-off rivals Ramsgate.

Our congratulations go to Chelmsford City who claimed the Ryman League Premier Division title this afternoon, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Ramsgate in front of 1,588 fans at the Melbourne Avenue ground. In a thrilling encounter, Stuart Vahid gave the visitors the lead and the Clarets were lucky not to go two goals behind when the visitors hit the post before Kezie Ibe grabbed the equaliser, 5 minutes from the break. The Rams' Lee Minshull saw a second half penalty saved but the Kent side remain in touch with the play-off places in 6th spot. AFC Wimbledon had to come from behind to defeat Billericay Town 2-1 and erase the memory of last weekend's defeat against Horsham and just 7 points now separate the teams in 3rd and 9th places in what was something of a goalfest in the Ryman Premier League. No fewer than 45 goals were scored in the 11 games with 9 of them coming at Margate where a James Pinnock hat-trick helped the home side see off relegation threatened Heybridge Swifts 5-4. Hendon claimed only their 3rd victory of 2008 with an exciting 4-3 win at Hastings where Lubomir Guentchev's 85th minute leaves the Sussex side just 2 points clear of the sides occupying the relegation places. There were 5 different scorers for Carshalton in an emphatic 5-2 win at fellow strugglers Wealdstone, who are now without a win in 4 games, while Staines look favourites for a top 4 finish after a comfortable 2-0 win against lowly Folkestone. An injury to Darren Deegan took the gloss off of Ashford Town's 4-1 success against Maidstone Utd at Sittingbourne with a suspected broken leg looking likely to rule the defender out for the rest of the season. AFC Hornchurch remain in 4th spot after a narrow win at East Thurrock while the manager of the month curse seems to have avoided the Longmead Stadium where Tommy Warrilow's Tonbridge Angels completed a 3-0 win against mid-table Harrow Borough to move into 9th.

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May 200 Club winners

Congratulations go to Mr J Doyle who won this month's top prize of £100 on the 200 club. The lucky winners were;

1. J Doyle No. 150 £100
2. C Dickinson No. 42 £40
3. T Hammond No. 81 £20

If you want to stand a chance of winning up to £250, for just a minimum monthly fee of £2.50, contact Roger Harris for details on how to join