This was the match we didn't want to start with.  Horsham won the league last season losing only 1 game.  We arrived at Horsham and changed into our new kits which are sponsored by Sutton`s Removals,  This was the first time the team which started had played together.  Horsham's team are one of the biggest in size I have seen, and I thought this game had come to early for us.

11am came and Horsham kicked off and looked very confident.  After 15 minutes they had most of the play but our defence marshalled by Tom Hughes looked comfortable.  We gradually started to get our game going and tried to get their defence turning by playing the ball behind them for our forwards Craig Barham and Chris Stevens to use their superior pace.  This tactic worked as a ball down there right hand side saw Chris Stevens knock the ball back to the edge of the area for Jack Milsom to hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner.  This gave the whole team a lift and visibly shook Horsham.  The half carried on with chances now coming at both ends but the sure hands of Andy Bitmead in goal kept them out.  With a couple of minutes left, another ball into the corner was pulled back for Chris Stevens to knock it in.  2-0 and Horsham didn't know what hit them.  The ref blew for the half.

In the second half, Horsham were fired up.  There were some dodgy tackles coming in now and it looked like they going to kick their way into the match.  This tactic didn't work as the midfield held firm with Robert Appleyard, Jack Milsom, Leon Cole and James Brown all working hard against some stiff intimidation.  We were now using our pace to get in behind them and looking good for the win.  One of our attacks was broken up and the Horsham forward broke clear and hit a great shot which looked destined for the net, somehow our keeper Andy Bitmead got his hands to it and pushed over the bar.  The game was nearly over and from a cross our defence switched off and they scored a soft goal.  The ref blew for full time.  The whole team had played there part in a bruising game which we deservedly won, and I would like to mention each player as they all played well...

Andy Bitmead Goalkeeper, didn't put a foot wrong, and made some crucial saves in vital moments.

Jordan Knight Right Back, after a nervous start he settled down and played some fine balls down the line.

Dean Bruce Centre Back, looked solid and used his pace well to clear up in behind.

Tom Hughes, Centre Back, never put a foot wrong and put in some big tackles and cleared his line well.

Luke Kitchiner. Left Back, looked comfortable in his new position and made some fine tackles.

James Brown, Right Midfield, he used his skill well to overcome some hefty tackles.

Robert Appleyard, Centre Midfield, got kicked in the head but he never shirked a tackle and worked tirelessly.

Jack Milsom, Centre Mid, used his skills to get there defence turning, worked hard and scored a great goal.

Leon Cole Left Mid, the best left foot in the league, and put in some good crosses.

Craig Barham, Striker, worked tirelessly caused there defence problems with his pace and strength.

Chris Stevens, Striker again worked tirelessly got there defence turning and scored a good goal.

Tom Franklin. Midfield came on and impressed on his league debut.

Michael Duho Striker came on and made an immediate impact with his pace.

All in all, a great start to the season and we are looking forward to our next match against Guildford Saints in the Surrey Cup on Sunday 22nd Sept K/O 11am at the Purley Way.