Horsham exit FA Trophy but only after pushing Southend United all the way – 81 photos from a great Hornets occasion

It was another huge crowd and grand occasion at the club – the latest in a long line of big knockout ties against famous opposition.

Horsham paid the price for being caught cold early on as Keenan Appiah-Forson put the Shrimpers, who play in the National League Premier, ahead two minutes in and Jack Bridge added a second 13 minutes later.

Isaac Philpot raised home hopes by pulling one back and Dominic Di Paola’s pushed and pushed – and went close more than once – buyt could not find the equaliser.

It’s been a superb run in the Trophy for Horsham – their best ever – with a win at National Premier side Scunthorpe in a previous round the highlight.

But now it’s back to the bread and butter of the National South campaign for the Hornets and their bid to finish as high as they can in their debut season at step two.

Get all the Trophy action in the County Times on Thursday but for now, relive the action in McCartney Martin’s photo gallery from the day, on this page and those linked.