Battling Horsham YMCA still searching for another win

Dean Lovegrove went close for Horsham YMCA in their defeat to Eastbourne United. Picture by Steve Robards

Jack Reeves got in an early shot for YM, but it was well wide, as was Eastbourne’s response, however the seasiders were soon on the score sheet, a botched clearance enabling Festos Kamara to crash home from close range.

A determined block by Mark Cave then kept Eastbourne at bay, but it was only a temporary reprieve – a curling free kick from Alfie Peacock allowing Alfie Headlands to double YM’s misfortune.

By now the boys from The Oval were attacking in waves, and although Tom Cousins thwarted a dangerous incursion, unmarked Kamara put his side further ahead in the 25th minute.

YM kept out two late corners, only to trail 0-3 at the break.

Resuming, an immediate Eastbourne strike went just adrift, but Tom Tolfrey and Dean Lovegrove came close for YM, until, with half an hour of normal time remaining, Max Thompson scored Eastbourne’s fourth.

Yet, to their credit YM kept pushing throughout the feisty second half, matching Eastbourne with three corners, between which Tolfrey headed a goal. And, four minutes into extra time Tolfrey scored again - from the spot.

YM manager Dean Carden told the County Times: “We need to learn to start matches playing as we did in the second half, and not waiting to compete until we’re well behind.

"We’re up against it at the moment, but we’ll stick at it and get through it.”

New Eastbourne United boss Anthony Storey added: “This is not an easy place to come to, so we’re very pleased with the result today.”

This Saturday YM travel to 17th-placed Hassocks, before visiting Dorking Wanderers Reserves in a rearranged Peter Bentley Cup tie the following Tuesday.