Horsham boss Di Paola - Bognor defeat was our season in a nutshell

Tommy Leigh’s 23rd minute goal put the Rocks ahead but the Hornets had a plethora of chances to take control of the first half.

Harvey Whyte added the winner on 54 minutes as Horsham suffered their first home league loss since November 30.

The Hornets remain sixth, five points behind Carshalton Athletic in the final play-off spot, albeit with a game in hand.

Di Paola said: “I thought we played well up to the first goal. They scored against the run of play and our shoulders dropped.

“Maybe some of our players were thinking we’ve got a mountain to climb. You shouldn’t think like that so early in the game.

“We created good openings and got in good areas but we just don’t punish teams.

“They probably had less shots than us but they worked the keeper three or four times in a really good way.

“If you want to get up to the next tier in this league you have to be more clinical.

“It was pretty much our season in a nutshell.”

Horsham bombarded the Rocks in an electric start to the game.

Greg Cundle’s close-range shot was blocked by the legs of Bognor keeper Amadou Tangara before Charlie Harris’ howitzer shaved the bar.

Elliott Buchanan fired over from the edge of the box, and then Cundle had an effort stopped by Tangara.

Cundle and Buchanan both had further chances but their shots went wide.

And the Hornets were made to rue these misses as Leigh hit a 30-yard shot past Horsham keeper George Bentley and into the bottom corner.

Bognor then drew two fantastic saves from Bentley before half-time.

A lovely move from the Rocks ended with Bentley making an excellent stop with his legs to deny Ashton Leigh.

The teenager was then forced to tip James Crane’s superb long-range free-kick over as Bognor ended the half strongly.

Horsham started the second half brightly. Alex Clark blazed over from Cundle’s cross before Alex Kelly’s teasing ball into the box just evaded a yellow shirt.

But the Rocks doubled their advantage nine minutes after the restart.

A free-kick from the edge of the box crashed against the bar but Whyte was on hand to sweep home the rebound.

With 12 minutes remaining Bognor had a great chance to add a third. Bentley spilt a Rocks shot but substitute Josh Flint was unable to bury the follow up.

Horsham: Bentley, Metcalf (Mills 60), Sparks, Kelly, Shelley, Miles, Cundle (Smith 67), Dawson, Buchanan, Harris, Clark (O’Toole 57). Unused: Charman, Merchant.