Horsham is a place that holds bad memories for the Wanderers, with two FA Cup exits in recent years. However, this would be the first time the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium hosted National League South action between the two sides, situated only 14 miles apart.
In the reverse fixture back on Boxing Day, it took until the hour mark for the Wanderers to break down the Hornets, which Patrick Casey did with a second-half brace in front of a club-record attendance. Another impressive following was expected today, with more than 700 Wanderers fans making the short journey south.
It was a cagey start to the affair, with neither side able to create any chances of note in the opening stages. The first chance fell to the hosts as Greg Luer swung the ball in from the right and found Charlie Hester-Cook, who from close range was unable to nod his effort past Harrison Foulkes.
It took until the half-hour mark for the Wanderers to get their first sight of the Horsham goal. Dennon Lewis’ delivery was flicked down by Paul McCallum and fell to Sam Pearson, whose fierce effort was blocked by the flying body of Lee Harding.
The first real contentious moment came shortly after. Lewis slid through Charlie Carter, who charged towards goal and was brought down by Jack Brivio. Many thought the contact had continued, or was in fact initiated, in the 18-yard box; however, referee Richard Wharton awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. The resulting free kick was taken by Dan Pybus, but his curling effort fell inches wide of the post.
The Hornets were able to break the deadlock in the 39th minute. Leone Gravata drove down the left flank and played the ball into Hester-Cook, who gave it straight back to the York City loanee. Gravata drove closer to goal and was able to slam home an effort from a tight angle to grab his second goal of the campaign. 39’ 1-0
The search for an equaliser began immediately for the Wanderers. Dennon Lewis once again swung a ball into the area, which was flicked goalwards by Paul McCallum. His effort looked certain to trickle over the line; however, the Horsham skipper was able to hook the ball out at the last minute to keep the hosts ahead.
The Hornets then had a golden chance to double their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Shamir Fenelon was able to round Foulkes on the edge of the penalty area; however, as the angle tightened, his effort could only find the side netting as the first period drew to a close.
Half-time: Horsham FC 1-0 Dorking Wanderers
The Wanderers began the second half on the front foot. Carter was able to find McCallum with a sweet delivery, but his header was palmed away by Lewis Carey. George Francomb also had an effort from the edge of the box, but his volley sailed over the bar.
However, Horsham’s first opening of the half paid dividends and interrupted the Wanderers’ momentum. A free kick was swung in from the left-hand side and deflected into the path of Charlie Hester-Cook, who was able to emphatically fire the ball past Foulkes to put the Hornets two to the good. 54’ 2-0
The pendulum then swung in favour of the hosts and chances began to flow. Hester-Cook was denied a second courtesy of a brilliant challenge by Harry Pinchard. Goalscorer Gravata was then unlocked down the left side and his effort was matched equally by a superb save from Foulkes.
The Wanderers went in search of a route back into the game. Lewis’ neat work in the middle of the park allowed him space to loft the ball into Frank Vincent, whose fierce effort was denied by the arm of Lewis Carey.
Insult was added to injury seconds from time as Jack Bates was able to bear down on goal and curl his effort into the top corner to add a third to the Hornets’ tally. 90+6’ 3-0
Full Time : Horsham FC 3-0 Dorking Wanderers
The Wanderers now prepare to take on Worthing at Meadowbank for their second instalment of Easter football this weekend. This is an all-ticket fixture, so head over to our tickets page for more information.