Boss lauds ‘massive’ FA Cup win as Horsham reach next round

The goals came from Gary Charman and Scott Harris, and the Hornets’ reward is a trip to Combined Counties side South Park, who are based in Reigate, Surrey.

Manager Simon Colbran described the result, and the all-important prize money, as ‘massive’ for the club.

He said: “Going away from home and getting a win - you can’t complain. Especially playing against a team that have been doing well.

“We can’t hide the fact that the money will come in handy. We have got some decent players in this year but these players do come at a price, so the money helps.

“It was a team performance. It is difficult to go away against a team doing really well and play attacking football. Them having a player sent off helped but I think we were coming into the game anyway.”

The Preliminary Round clash against the Hornets’ London league rivals was set up to be a tight affair, with both teams having made good starts to the season.

Horsham were handed a boost when captain Charman came through a pre-match fitness test, but were second best for long periods of the first half.

However, the game turned when the hosts had Warren Gladdy sent off just before half time for kicking out at Byron Napper after taking exception to the Horsham midfielder’s challenge.

It almost heralded an immediate impact from Horsham, but Gabriel Odunaike was adjudged to be offside after slotting in Tony Nwachukwu’s cross.

It took until the 70th minute for the deadlock to be broken as substitute Billy Dunn, who made an excellent contribution from the bench, crossed for FA Cup talisman Charman to head past Tim Roberts.

Harris added a second late on, heading the ball forward behind the hosts’ defensive line and shooting into the roof of the net.

Boss Colbran praised Charman, Jahmahl King, Billy-Joe King and Miles Mitchell for a strong defensive showing, but spoke especially well of second goalscorer Harris.

He added: “Scott has been brilliant this year. He had a really bad injury a couple of years ago and it has taken a bit of time to get back to where he used to be, but he is getting there now.

“He has definitely been one of our most consistent players and he deserved a goal - I’m pleased for him.”

The tie against South Park will be played on Saturday September 14.

Horsham: Hunter, Simpson (Mitchell 45), B King, J King, Charman, Napper, Morley, Harris, Odunaike, Cade, Nwachukwu (Dunn,53).