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Hopes of another memorable run in the Emirates FA Cup were quickly extinguished yesterday as two first half goals condemned the Hornets to defeat at the first hurdle against divisional rivals Herne Bay.
After their comprehensive Bank Holiday defeat of Bognor Regis Town, Dom Di Paola’s side were surprisingly lacklustre and fell behind as early as the 12th minute when Tonbridge Angels loanee Mason Saunders-Henry fired the home side in front. Jack Mazzone saw an effort ruled out for offside but Horsham offered little threat in the opening half and had a mountain to climb after Marcel Barrington added a second before the interval.
To their credit, the visitors improved after the break but suffered further frustration when another Mazzone goal was disallowed and it wasn’t until stoppage time that substitute Dan Ajakaiye reduced the arrears from the spot but it was too little and far too late for the Hornets who bowed out at the first qualifying round stage for the first time since 2016.
A full report on a disappointing afternoon at Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium, Herne Bay’s temporary base, can be viewed via the link below.
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