In the end, Horsham YM beat Forest Row comfortably enough on Saturday, but despite YM having the lion’s share of first half possession, it took almost the entire half to break the deadlock.

Then, with a three-goal cushion for most of the second session, it became an easier task, although the YM defence still needed to be at their best to repel the worrying opportunities created by Row.

YM began with a threatening cross and free kick with Adam Adam hustling Frow at close range. Two YM corners followed, but Frow also mounted dangerous looking forays with both keepers kept busy.

Further corners were traded with Frow heading just past the post and YM clearing off the line, until, with the half time whistle imminent, Noel Fisher opened the scoring from close range.

Horsham YM in recent action v Crawley Down Gatwick | Ray Turner

placeholder image — Horsham YM in recent action v Crawley Down Gatwick | Ray Turner

Then, he immediately burst through again only to be thwarted by a desperate clearance. But, his golden end to the half culminated with a pinpoint cross to James McGelligott to put YM two up going into the break

In anticipation of Frow resuming strongly, YM struck early in the second half when Adam fired in from an almost impossibly tight angle. Now three goals to the good, YM earned corners before Adam hit the bar, and a cross jangled Frow’s nerves ahead of Noel Fisher squaring the ball just past the far post.

Twice, Ethan McGrath was obliged to rush out from the Frow goal to avoid further damage, but his side also had their moments, albeit too late to prevent YM’s 3-0 victory.

YM boss Liam Giles told the County Times: “Our intensity dropped in recent games, but scoring our third goal so early in the second half, a much better period for us, enabled us to relax a little – and to rest and rotate players.”

But on Monday, visitors Roffey, despite being six places below their near neighbours, completed a seasonal double over YM, having won 3-2 in the corresponding game just after Christmas.

YM were on top in the first half but they were not at their best and indiscipline plus two quick Roffey goals after the break enabled the visitors to pouch all three points.

An early Roffey attack was followed by a YM breakaway, with Jesse Sentamu’s low shot saved by Monty Watson-Price in the Roffey goal. Sentamu had a golden opportunity booted off the line for a corner.

Noel Fisher unleashed a strong shot before a Roffey volley past the post, ahead of a crucial moment just before the interval when Khalid Babikir was given a straight red, reducing YM to 10 men.

On 63 minutes, Roffey opened the scoring after Sam Freeman had saved with his feet – with Max Mesquita on hand to put in the rebound. YM responded almost immediately with a Charlie Martin goal, but four minutes later Roffey sub Adam Gregory converted a one-on-one opportunity with a low strike from outside the box.

YM Manager Liam Giles told the County Times: “That was really disappointing – up to the sending off we were in control, but Roffey took their chances and that’s what counts. We’re still fourth and looking likely to get into the play-offs – we’d have to lose our last three matches to miss out.”

Roffey chairman Phil Gibbs said: “We’re playing with passion – this was not just about beating YM, we’re looking at the bigger picture and building the club. If YM had kept 11 players on the pitch they might have won.”

Peacehaven is YM’s destination on Saturday – while Roffey host Newhaven.