Horsham 2 Faversham 0: Hornets impress in FA Cup 2nd qualifying round

It was welcome revenge for Hornets who had suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Kent club in a league match in August.

Horsham manager Simon Colbran welcomed back frontmen Billy Dunn and Jame Cade back from injury while Ryan Marriott was out injured having had stitches to a gashed leg after their 2-0 defeat by Redhill on Tuesday. Gaby Odunaike was on the bench.

Hornets played a more attacking 4-3-2-1 system with Dunn and Nwachukwu playing in advanced positions along the flanks and joining Cade to form a three-man attacking threat up front.

After a couple of early chances for the visitors, Horsham were soon on the attack as Nwuchukwo crossed for Dunn and controlled and then crossed back from the left towards Cade, only for keeper Simon Overland to grab the ball in mid-air.

Morley played a more attack-minded role in midfield and was rewarded with the Man of the Match award and his side’s opening goal scored in the 22nd minute from a 28-yard free-kick.

Faversham tried to respond with the aerial attack of Matthew Bourne whose headers were twice collected by keeper Michael Hunter while at the other end Dunn lifted a shot over the crossbar.

Horsham had looked much improved from their poor displays against Burgess Hill and Redhill earlier in the week and had the upper hand in the second half as well.

A move involving Billy King, Byron Napper and Cade was cleared by the keeper while a golden chance to increase the lead was missed when Napper supplied to Morley who blasted over.

Morley was at the focal point of Horsham’s attacks throughout and during a period of pressure saw an attempt on goal from short-range caught by Overland.

Hunter was able to enjoy a relatively quiet game as Hornets’ custodian, stopping a powerful effort from Brendon Cass driven from the edge of the area.

Nwachukwu sealed victory five minutes before the end with a goal at the far post from a ball supplied by substitute Odunaike with one of his first kicks after coming on.

Horsham continude to press forward as Morley had a go on goal in added time but was denied by Overland as Horsham sent their sizeable crowd home happy.

Hornets: Michael Hunter, Lewis Hamilton, Billy King, Jahmahl King, Gary Charman, Byron Napper, Ross Morley, Scott Harris, Billy Dunn, Jamie Cade (Gaby Odunaike 82), Tony Nwachukwu (Kary Kedze 90)

Unused ubs: Ben Collier, Jake Legrange, Ian Varley, Rob Frankland

Attendance: 361

Man of the Match: Ross Morley