Horsham expecting '˜tough' derby clash at Heath as they eye top spot

Horsham have the chance to go top of the table tonight, but face the prospect of a '˜tough' derby clash at Broabridge Heath.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Feb 2016, 10:57 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:47 BST

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Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre football pitch. 22/09/2015 Pic Steve Robards SR1522454 SUS-150922-141112001Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre football pitch. 22/09/2015 Pic Steve Robards SR1522454 SUS-150922-141112001
Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre football pitch. 22/09/2015 Pic Steve Robards SR1522454 SUS-150922-141112001

A point will send the Hornets back to the summit of the Premier Division as they make the short 2.5-mile trip to their local rivals, with current leaders Lancing not in action.

The game has been rearranged after the very late postponement just before Christmas, in what will be just the second-ever league meeting between the two sides.

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Dominic Di Paola’s side won the reserve fixture 3-0 which was the second game of the season, back in August.

But with Heath’s recent additions including Jack and Tom Lyons, Shaun Findlay and former Horsham captain Tom Gilbert, the Bears have superbly strengthened their squad.

Di Paola said: “It’ll be a really tough game. I went and watched them at Lancing on Tuesday and they are quite a good side.

“It’s going to be on a sticky pitch and tough game if it’s on. The next two or three games will really test us, I think.

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“We have Loxwood and then Lancing. If they are all on they will test us, so we are going to have to be on it and going to have to be right.”

Heath go into the match in 12th position in the league and on a run of four straight defeats - although two of those have been against Newhaven and Burgess Hill Town in cup competitions and the league losses were narrow defeats against Lancing and Loxwood.

Horsham will be without Kieran Pamment and Graham Martin is doubtful after missing’s Saturday’s game, Mark Knee however should be fit.

A pitch inspection is planned for Tuesday afternoon, but with an unexpected spell of dry weather, there should be few fears of the game not going ahead.

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Related topics:HornetsBearsPremier DivisionLancingLoxwood