Horsham YM lose to Lingfield as new boss looks to rebuild
Horsham YM started well at their Herbert Direct Stadium on Saturday, taking an early lead, but strong visitors Lingfield went on to notch up their fourth win from seven starts after humbling high flying Guernsey 5-1 earlier in the week.
11 minutes in Nana Baah scored for YM from inside the box, the ball finding the net from the underside of the bar, but that served to energise the Lingers, who equalised with a sweet goal through Kristian Belusas on the half hour mark. With the visitors mounting further attacks YM defended stoutly, until, on the stroke of half time, Belusas curled one into the bottom corner from a close range free kick.
Restarting after the interval with YM 1-2 down Lingfield twisted the knife with their third when Gabriel Odunaike converted a cross after possession had been gained mid pitch. It might soon have got worse, but YM escaped further damage when Alex Kpakpe headed wide from close range. YM keeper Jordan Brown was then busy, pulling off diving saves from both Odunaike and Belusas.
Two Lingfield corners followed, with one for YM headed over before Ayman El-Mogharbel sought to reduce the deficit with a bicycle kick, the final whistle coming after a Lingfield free kick just beyond the area and a wayward shot from sub Rewan Abyas.
New YM Manager Alex Walsh told the County Times: “We played well for the first 20 minutes, nullifying them but they were full of confidence after their big win mid week. We’re looking to rebuild, getting in some quality, committed signings, but its going to take time. Meanwhile, commendably, the players are really putting in plenty of effort.”
On September 19th YM travel to struggling Little Common.