It was not fun to stay at the YMCA

Town looked to build on a promising draw against Broadbridge Heath at home in their push for the top 4. Adam Davidson was out of the squad due to injury and was replaced by Macca Stiles on the bench. Horsham YMCA on the other hand were looking to get their first win in 10.

The game started quickly with Alfie Peacock forcing a save from Aaron Jeal after just 2 minutes.  After 7 mins, panic for Town as Josh Neathy went down to the box but the ref does not point to the spot. In the first 10, the YM made the most forward runs however Winterton remained unworked. The first shot on target from the YM was registered after 11 mins by Tom Tolfrey however it was a simple catch for Winterton.

There was a second penalty call for YM as Sekou Toure lost a 50/50 however the ref gave it as a handball and a free kick to town. YM dominated possession for the next 10 mins making promising charges forwards before Cal Barlow made one of his charges forwards outmuscling his man. However, the ball flew over the net. Then Ollie Davies left the defence at sixes and sevens making himself open on goal but couldn’t beat the goalkeeper.

Callum Barlow then forced his way through the defence and squared it to Holman who hits the crossbar. That’s 3 times hes struck the frame of the goal in 2 games. In the 40th minute, a sloppy pass back forced Jeal into a race against the ball. However, Jeal won the race and it remained goalless. 0-0 at he break.

The second half started slowly with neither keepers particularly being worked. Then The YM went on a counter attack and they penetrated the defence, Winterton was forced into a save as Jude MacDonald and the bench took a sigh of relief. Waters and Samways came on to help Town attack and they began to play on the front foot. However frustratingly, Waters fails to finish a shot served to him on a plate. Waters then slices a shot well wide from a throw in.

The game then become Town dominated however in the final third we just could not find the net. YM finally had a shot in the half but nothing of trouble, as it sailed safely over the bar. Leon Greig was then sin-binned, leaving Town down to 10 for the final 10 minutes. It felt as though there was a mountain to climb as The YM used this ejection as fuel to charge forwards. However, Town responded well and remained defensively resolved, and attacking well. Town forced the keeper down in added time with a Samways shot however as with most of this game Town couldn’t create convert their chances.

It was a frustrating day at the office for Town, with the game ending 0-0. 

It’s a doubleheader next week at the saffrons as the men host AFC Varndeanians on Saturday the 1st and the women host Brighton Seagalls on the 2nd where they will celebrate their title win.

Written by: Mackenzie Whitehouse

Photography: Josh Claxton