Horsham YM pepper woodwork in hard-fought victory over Midhurst
This was a hard fought, tough game with plenty of energy and resolve from both teams, Horsham YM running out winners by the single goal of the match after peppering the woodwork.
After YM had a shot blocked, big and lively Midhurst & Easebourne had a corner and most of the early possession and it took a good save by YM keeper Sam Freeman to deny Midhurst the lead. But, coming more into the game, YM hit the bar and unleashed a rocket from the rebound, but the ball stayed out, as did further shots up to the break.
Resuming with both sides striving for a breakthrough, YM hit the upright with keeper Ricardo Mendonca stranded, then Noel Fisher ran the length of the field, weaved through a posse of defenders and crashed the ball home with a strong contender for the goal of the season. Two YM free kicks followed, just outside the area, before the woodwork again rescued Midhurst. A YM cross evaded the goal before Midhurst launched a series of attacks, pressing hard for the equaliser, a late corner coming to nothing. Then a YM breakaway was blasted over just ahead of the final whistle, YM boss Liam Giles telling the County Times: “Although Midhurst are 15th in the table they are rebuilding a strong side. This was their first defeat in the eight games under their new manager, during which time they’ve signed more players and only conceded five goals, so that was a very good win for us - and the referee told me that it was the best game he’s seen at our level.”
On Saturday YM travel to relegation threatened Shoreham, whom they knocked out of the Sussex Senior Cup and beat 10-2 at home in the league. Meanwhile YM leapfrog Peacehaven & Telscombe into fourth spot after they were held to a goal-less draw at Seaford.