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From Kery Kedze’s stoppage time equaliser and George Branford’s howitzer at the Pan, to midfielder Charlie Harris’ goalscoring and goalkeeping debut and THAT goal by Rob O’Toole, matches between Horsham and Lewes have seldom failed to produce memorable moments and we’re hoping that’s the case again tomorrow night as we welcome the Rooks to the CWCS for an eagerly-anticipated Isthmian Premier Division clash.
Seen by manager Dom Di Paola as an opportunity to ‘gauge where we’re at’ against a team he views as title favourites, Lewes go into the game on the back of a record-breaking 8-0 FA Cup pasting of Division One’s Sheppey United last Tuesday that maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.
That they currently sit two places and one point below Horsham is down to having drawn three of their five league matches, something they have done on their last two Premier Division outings against Corinthian-Casuals and Hastings United, but Dom is under no illusions as to how tough this match will be for his Hornets side.
“Lewes haven’t really got going yet but, for me, they’re the clear favourites this season” he admitted. “Tony Russell is a terrific manager who has the benefit of a pretty settled squad, which he added to over the summer with some good signings, and with Joe Taylor up front you’re guaranteed goals.
“But we’re in pretty good shape ourselves so it’ll be a good opportunity for us to see how far off we are from challenging. They’ve generally been pretty close matches between us over the years so it should be another decent game. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Hornets have fared pretty well against their rivals from the east of the county in past years, recording five wins and two draws from the last nine meetings although the most recent occasion, just after Christmas, saw the Rooks return home with all three points courtesy of a 3-1 success, helped by a missed Shamir Fenelon penalty and the absence of several key players due to the Covid bug.
No such worries this season, though, although the home side will still be without Jack Brivio, Charlie Hester-Cook and Harry Osborne, while doubts remain over the fitness of Lee Harding.
After an enforced weekend off, no doubt the players will be as keen as the supporters to get back into action and we’re hoping this match will smash our previous best midweek attendance at the CWCS. Gates open at 6pm, for the 7.45pm kick-off. Live Champions League football will be shown in the clubhouse for the early arrivals and we will, of course, have a wide range of food and drinks available throughout the night.
Supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible to ensure that they have access to a parking space and allow sufficient time to enter the stadium. Please remember that parking at the stadium is STRICTLY FOR PLAYERS, OFFICIALS, AND INVITED GUESTS ONLY.
Those driving to the game should head for the Park & Ride opposite the ground and, when full, should take advantage of the various town centre car parks.
Admission prices:
Adults – £12
Seniors (60+) – £8
U18s – £8 (ID may be required)
Students – £8 (ID required)
U16s – £2
U5s – Free
Printed matchday programme: £3
Advance tickets can be purchased here
Those unable to attend the match can follow events via twitter @HorshamFC
Main image: action from last season’s corresponding fixture
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