Impressive Horsham YM score five at Pagham
After knocking Pagham out of the FA Cup in August and then beating them at Gorings Mead in October, Horsham YM were delighted to overcome them again at Nyetimber Lane on Saturday, winning 5-1.
Boss Liam Giles told the County Times: “They’ve only been beaten once at home this season and are a threat to us so this was an excellent result for YM.”
Following so much rain, as expected, the pitch was pudding- like, very slow with a low bounce, so this was never going to be a game of accurate passing moves and YM adapted their tactics accordingly, especially in the second half when they overran the hosts.
But the game started quietly with both sides trading corners, four apiece, one of YM’s being tipped over before Adam Adam was just too high with a free kick.
In the 38th minute, Richard Pingling surged through on the left with a strong strike into the far corner to give YM the lead, which remained intact at half-time,
Resuming, Pagham had a free-kick pushed off for a corner, then another, and blasted over from a third set-piece on the hour mark, only for Noel Fisher to unleash a left food shot giving long-standing Pagham keeper Tom Jefkins no chance.
Adam gleefully accepted a chance, giving YM a three-goal advantage. Then Jefkins upended Hards for James McElligott to convert from the spot, and, three minutes later, to crash in a free kick, putting YM 5-0 up.
There was still just time for Pagham to claw back a consolation goal when, with the defence open, Connor Kelly obliged, Giles saying: “That was disappointing, but we can’t be too greedy – to come here to win 1-0 would have been good, so we’re very pleased.”
The impressive win moves YM up to fourth, level on points with fifth-placed Peacehaven & Telescombe.
After beating Wick 8-0, Steyning go top, three points clear of Haywards Heath, who have four games in hand.
On Saturday (Feb 21) YM return home to welcome third-placed Guernsey – starting at 2pm - who they beat in the Channel Islands in October, since when Guernsey have surged, including seeing off Shoreham 7-3 last Saturday.