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Dom Di Paola’s Hornets will be looking to achieve what no other Horsham side has done in 44 years this weekend: claim a league win over Bishop’s Stortford.
The Hertfordshire-based outfit have won three of the last seven encounters between the two clubs, with the three most recent meetings ending a point apiece.
Albeit there was a 39-year wait to face each other again, until our promotion back to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2019, but a stat’s a stat nonetheless.
Always a tough nut to crack, Bishop’s Stortford come into the game with an identical record over the last six games – eight points & +2 goal difference. In fact, the two sides are only separated in the table by virtue of the Hornets’ superior goal difference.
The visiting Blues had a terrific 2021/22 season, reaching the play-offs after finishing second, aided by goalkeeper Jack Giddens’ incredible run of 12 straight clean sheets in the latter half of their campaign.
However, despite their hard work, they fell short in the semi final suffering an agonising 3-2 home defeat to eventual promotion winners Cheshunt.
Tipped by many to finish one place higher this time round, tomorrow’s visitors have plenty of firepower in their ranks. Most potently, Frankie Merrifield, whose six goals put him second in the goalscoring charts – just one place behind our very own Jack Mazzone.
On paper, a close, entertaining game lies in wait between the current fourth and fifth placed clubs, but with injuries beginning to mount up, Dom has warned a patched up home side is highly likely, with recent hamstring injuries for Bobby Price and Tom Richards adding to his concern.
He said: “We are doing OK and the boys are giving everything but what we have to do now is battle on for the next couple of weeks so we can get some bodies back in the building.
“It won’t be long before we see Brivio, Price and Richards back on the pitch and they will make a difference to our numbers and quality. Harding is a worry as we believe he may have torn his cartilage; Harry Osborne will be back in training and Hester-Cook is seeing some progress finally.
“It’s been a tough start but I know we have a team who gives everything and as long as we pick up points where we can in the first ten or so games, I am sure we will be fine.”
We would like to thank Steve Moore for being both matchday AND matchball sponsor tomorrow, as part of his 60th birthday celebrations. Happy Birthday Steve – we hope you and your party enjoy your day!
Tickets for tomorrow’s game can be bought at the gate or, to save queuing time, in advance online (Adults £12, Over 60s/Students/U18s £8, U16s £2, U5s FREE) here.
With it forecast to be dry and warm, another bumper crowd is to be expected so please aim to arrive in good time, and, if possible, by public transport, to maximise the limited parking space in Hop Oast Park & Ride.
All food and drink outlets will be open, including the beach hut where you can try local craft ales on draught and some hot specials like pies and pizza twists.
So, with no Premier League football this weekend why not come down and experience a matchday at the Camping World Community Stadium for yourself? We’d love to see you!
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