Horsham FC’s heroes love rewriting club history – and win at Scunthorpe isn’t the end of the story
Horsham FC are enjoying their debut season in National South – but it’s another competition which has now caught the imagination of Hornets fans.
Dominic Di Paola’s side have manoeuvred themselves into play-off discussions in the league with 17 matches yet to play.
I followed the team to their opening match at Chelmsford and after a 1-0 loss I suggested that wouldn’t define their season. In October I was there when a large away following travelled to Dagenham and picked up a significant 2-1 victory.
That form has continued into this season’s prestigious FA Trophy, with the club travelling to ex-Football League side Scunthorpe United in the fifth round, already the farthest they have gone in a competition which ends in a Wembley final. It turned into a glorious afternoon for all Hornets connection.
Under blue skies and with mild temperatures in North Lincolnshire, 115 away fans took their place in the covered away section. With the hosts in embroiled in a National League title bid home interest in the FA Trophy seemed a little disengaged as only 1,890 filed through the gates. The iconic Glanford Park had welcomed over 5,000 for the previous league game.
Horsham’s Lardy Army were firmly outsinging the home contingent for the full 90 minutes. In their iconic green and yellow kits Horsham played the perfect game and deservedly moved on to the next round.
Ricky Aguiar signalled intent in the opening passage of play. He got on the end of a corner; but his shot deflected just past the far post.
Against the run of play The Iron produced their best move of the day on 11 minutes. An exquisite through ball had the Hornets defence flatfooted as Dec Howe calmly steered the ball home.
There was no panic in the Horsham ranks as they regrouped. Reece Meekums produced a thrilling run and curling shot off the far upright on 18 minutes and moments later he was on hand to bundle home from a yard to send the away following into delirium.
Horsham continued to press and on 32 minutes a wonderful cross was met by Jake Elliot to head home what proved to be the winner. A pulsating half of football ended 2-1 to Horsham.
On 56 minutes Aguiar came close again with a fierce shot which scraped the woodwork. Hard-running centre forward Rhys Murphy thought he had won a penalty on 60 minutes. He went down under a strong challenge, but the ref waved away his appeals.
That slender lead looked a little vulnerable in the latter stages as Scunthorpe freshened up. They resorted to pumping long balls into the box.
Hornets keeper Lewis Carey had to claim several dangerous crosses under immense pressure. Then in added time Horsham had to throw bodies on the line as consecutive shots rained in. The away end exploded into wild celebration as the ref blew for full-time.
Horsham continue to make great strides as they look up the football pyramid rather than over their shoulder.
Manager Di Paola is driving the club into unchartered territory and who would bet against the Hornets making the 2025/26 National South play-offs?
However, this exciting FA Trophy adventure will take centre stage over the next few weeks. Horsham are flying the flag for Sussex and are now just two wins away from that famous Wembley Arch.
We send everyone at the Fusion Aviation Stadium our warmest wishes and messages of good luck for upcoming fixtures. It was an honour and privilege to share your day with you. Bring on the quarter-final!