Every team has one and that’s a bogie side who just seem to have the evil eye. Horsham currently appear to be having the better of things after back-to-back league wins in the 23/24 season. That trend continued last evening at a sodden Camping World Stadium. Heavy rain continued to fall through out a pulsating match there was even a hint of lightning during the second half.
Managers Adie and Berty had to shuffle the pack slightly as the 1st team were playing the in the Sussex Senior Cup. However, a strong side turned up eager to strengthen a good start to their 24/25 League campaign. It was Horsham though who did everything right in the early phase of play. They made strong tackles, picked up the 2nd ball and won mid field battles. On 8 mins a neat three move ended with a crisp shot into the bottom of the Hillian net. Horsham continued to threaten and on 15 mins got their reward. The Hill keeper misjudged a foray out of his penalty area which allowed the Hornets left winger to ghost by and score into an empty goal.
Hill picked up the bit there after and caused some moments late in the 1st half. In truth the hosts dealt with the threat quite well. Hill couldn’t quite find that sharpness of pass or movement to create any clear-cut chances.
Perhaps the most disappointing passage of play for the visitors came early in the 2nd half as Horsham were allowed the freedom of Camping World. On 50 mins the Hill keeper was forced into a smart save. The hint wasn’t taken as Horsham made it three on 55 mins. The visitors with a mountain to climb. Once again Hill found traction in adversity and started to play that power football, we know they are capably of. They found the back of the net twice in quick succession as the Hornets became a little nervy, the stadium falling silent. The comeback was then scythed as Horsham found a killer 4th in injury time.
For the neutral it was a brilliant game of football full of pace and power with a fleeting hint of pure talent on show. You can not argue with six goals and five-star entertainment value. Many thanks to Horsham for hosting we look forward to your visit to Mid Sussex on 27th Feb 2025!
Berty told the waiting media ‘We are disappointed with the 1st and 2nd half starts but the lads did play really well and never stopped trying to get back into the game. Horsham were very good tonight. After that Maidstone win perhaps, we thought we could stroll through this one. We now look to prepare for Whitehawk and Erith’
Our U18s are back in League action against Whitehawk on Thursday 10th at the Homecall 7.30 start.
Berty Oliva chats to Colin Bowman of Hillians TV after the game
