HORSHAM (Hop Oast Stadium)

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION, HORSHAM 1-2 CHESHUNT, ATTENDANCE: 489

With what seems the inevitable second lockdown looming large on the horizon, I decided on another hefty journey south to finally box off visits to all of the grounds of the Isthmian Premier Division (I still have a long way to go with the North, South East and South Central Divisions) mainly to satisfy my 'completed league' list. I know, I know!

My "champagne job" was the new home of Horsham FC at Hop Oast, or the Camping World Community Stadium to give it its sponsored name. The ground was inaugurated in 2019 after the club left their home of 104 years, Queen Street, in 2008.

In the intervening years the club ground shared at Worthing, Horsham YMCA and Lancing before finally having a home to call their own. The ground is an impressive new build with a smart clubhouse and a 300 seat stand. There are three other bits of cover around the side of the pitch. The ground was easy to find as it is just off the A24 on the edge of town and parking was a doddle as it across the road there is a park and ride car park. Due to the ongoing covid-19 situation the game was all ticket and I purchased my ticket online prior to the game. Temperature checks also took place before entrance was granted.

The game was an open affair with both teams playing on the front foot. Unfortunately there was a distinct lack of quality in the final third and defences were certainly on top. The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when, somewhat against the run of play, a Rob O'Toole diving header squirmed past Cheshunt 'keeper Shane Gore and into the net.

The Ambers were level eight minutes later when Jamie Reynolds blasted home from 20 yards out. It was a brilliant strike which gave Bradley House in the Horsham goal no chance. He must have a foot like a traction engine, as Alan Partridge would say!

The second half started in similar fashion to the first half but began to get scrappy as the half wore on. Cheshunt scored what turned out to be the winner with 15 minutes remaining when a speculative effort from Joe Re took a slight deflection off a Horsham defender and looped over a helpless House. The Hornets almost replied straight away but Gore got a strong hand on a shot from Reece Hall.

Any hopes of Horsham salvaging a point disappeared when Lewis Taylor received a second yellow card minutes from the end of the game. An enjoyable afternoon and well done to the club for its covid-19 protocols.

     

As I mentioned, Horsham left their Queen Street home back in 2008. I was lucky enough to visit there when they played Swansea City in the second round of the FA Cup back in November 2007. The aforementioned Lewis Taylor scored an 85th minute equaliser to send the tie to a replay. The Hornets then lost 6-2 at the Liberty Stadium.