Horsham win final warm-up game

Forward Jamie Cade continued his scoring spree with the game’s only goal around the hour mark, a powerful header finding the net after Billy Dunn had picked him out with an excellent run and cross.

Hornets manager Simon Colbran felt his side were some way off their best, although they did create a number of further chances, Gabby Odunaike striking a post after the goal, Lewis Hamilton with a cross/shot saved, Dunn with a goal-bound effort which was blocked by team-mate Cade, who also had a shot cleared off the line.

The hosts also had their chances, Michael Hunter with an excellent save before half-time, and the Hornets stopper also impressed with a number of other stops as well as showing good command of his area in dealing with crosses.

Colbran said: “It wasn’t the best we have played that’s for sure but if it had been a league game and we’d gone out and won 1-0 away from home everyone would have been happy.

“It was our last friendly and so there may have been a bit of fatigue, that’s why we don’t have a mid-week game ahead of the first match on Saturday.

“We did manage to create plenty of chances and still won the game despite not being at our best so that is a massive positive. We’ve got good experience in the side now and players who know how to win ugly which will be important this season.”

Horsham begin their league campaign at home to Eastbourne Town this Saturday (3pm kick off, Gorings Mead) before flying out to play in Guernsey’s first ever home game in the Ryman League the following Wednesday.

For Simon Colbran’s thoughts ahead of the new season along with previews for sides in the County League, pick up your copy of this week’s West Sussex County Times, out on Thursday.