Horsham YMCA see off Alfold in entertaining cup clash

A lively Horsham YMCA display enabled them to grab a 3-2 home win over Alfold in an entertaining SCFL Premier Division Supplementary Shield Group D encounter on Tuesday evening.
Horsham YMCA beat Alfold 3-2 at Gorings Mead in the SCFL Premier Division Supplementary Shield on Tuesday night. Pictures by Tim HewlettHorsham YMCA beat Alfold 3-2 at Gorings Mead in the SCFL Premier Division Supplementary Shield on Tuesday night. Pictures by Tim Hewlett
Horsham YMCA beat Alfold 3-2 at Gorings Mead in the SCFL Premier Division Supplementary Shield on Tuesday night. Pictures by Tim Hewlett

After both sides lost their opening games, with neither scoring, there was much to play for at Goring Mead’s Family Lawyer’s Stadium.

YM began positively, with an immediate attack, two shots just avoiding the goal, followed by a free kick, and a corner headed inches wide.

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Another strike whistled across the goal, until an Alfold breakaway earned them a corner, before a Sam Lemon blast was saved at full length and pushed away by YM keeper Jack Webb-Olley.

Action from Horsham YMCA v Alfold on Tuesday eveningAction from Horsham YMCA v Alfold on Tuesday evening
Action from Horsham YMCA v Alfold on Tuesday evening

YM, though, were really pushing and doing everything except score, but Alfold also had their moments when the ball got to the other end and both keepers were kept busy.

The bulk of the attacks were instigated by YM with three corners evaporating without reward.

Yet, Alfold countered with three set pieces of their own, until YM were awarded a penalty, Adrian Todd making no mistake.

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But, the lead was short-lived, when, on the stroke of half time, Webb-Olley tried to punch clear, only for Dan Mobsby to get the ball in the net.

Alfold started the second half strongly, YM escaping from a one on one opportunity, however, they retook the lead with Ben Aubrey scoring from close quarters.

YM then had two more corners and, without the benefit of VAR, looked to have got the ball in from the second.

Although the Alfold defence was living dangerously in front of goal, they equalised when Lemon headed home a cross with assistance from the far post .

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With 20 minutes remaining, Alfold were putting YM under pressure, but they were kept at bay before YM responded with a well-worked attack, allowing Jay Popham to score in the 78th minute, after which YM successfully closed the game down to secure a valuable win.

The Alfold management were philosophical in defeat, telling the County Times: “That was a great, end-to-end game – we were in control mid-way through the second half, but we lost – that’s football!”

Horsham YMCA Manager Dean Carden added: “We had a much-changed side tonight because of injuries and non-availability, but, unlike last Saturday, we took our chances and went in front three times to give us a real confidence boost.”

On Saturday YM welcome Loxwood and Alfold travel to Broadbridge Heath.

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Meanwhile, YM has issued the following statement: “Horsham YMCA Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after a life time of public service.

"As an organisation dedicated to the well-being of young people, we pay tribute to Prince Philip's pioneering work through The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, and, as a mark of respect, the flag at the HFL Stadium is being flown at half-mast.”

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