Dominic Di Paola took heart from the performances of two promising young loanees after they helped Horsham FC to FA Cup success at Walton & Hersham.

Versatile attacking player Harry Hedges and goalkeeper Michael Dike have joined the Hornets on a short-term basis from AFC Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.

The teenagers were named in the starting XI for Horsham’s 3-0 FA Cup second qualifying round win at National League South rivals Walton & Hersham on Saturday.

And Republic of Ireland under-19 international Dike enjoyed a debut to remember. The 19-year-old was named man of the match by the Hornets’ merry band of travelling supporters after making a series of fine saves to thwart the Swans.

Di Paola told the County Times: “Michael has got a good pedigree from being at Brighton. It gives us a bit of breathing space with Sam [Howes], because Sam’s injury was a bad one. If we rush him back I don’t think that’ll be a good move.

“He’s 6’4 and powerful. He’s young so he’s got things to work on in his game, but that’s what we’re here to help with.

“Sami [El-Abd, Horsham coach] got us Michael which is amazing and a big help for us. Sami works down at Brighton so he pulled a few strings to get him in.”

Hedges, meanwhile, was making his second Horsham debut after appearing seven times while on loan last season.

Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Michael Dike put in a man of the match display on his Horsham debut at Walton & Hersham. Picture by McCartney Martin

placeholder image — Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Michael Dike put in a man of the match display on his Horsham debut at Walton & Hersham. Picture by McCartney Martin

The 18-year-old played 76 minutes of the tie at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub before being replaced by Dan Ajakaiye.

Di Paola added: “Harry’s only 18 and by half-time he’d blown out. He’s not played a lot of men’s football so he’ll be in and out for us, but at least we know what he’s all about. He’ll give his all and he’s got a lot of good attacking thrust.

“He was unlucky not to score. He had a good chance and didn’t take it.

“He’s a great kid. If he listens and takes on board a few things he’ll go back to Wimbledon a good player. In possession he’s great, we’ve just got to work on what he does off the ball.

“We’ve got him for another three weeks, which is good, which will help.”

The Hornets travel to Chelmsford City in the National League South on Saturday ahead of a home Sussex Senior Cup clash against Newhaven on Tuesday.

And you get Di Paola’s thoughts on Horsham’s trip to Essex tomorrow at sussexworld.co.uk/sport.