AFC Varndeanians started the day two places above Horsham YMCA in the Southern Combination Premier Division. The pitch at the Withdean Stadium passed an inspection due to Storm Eowyn giving us a downpour and the match was lively. YMCA do not have a good record on the road and have lost eleven away games this season.

New signing Rodney Dos Santos, formerly of Egham Town FC started and showed why the Liam Giles signed him with an outstanding performance. YMCA had plenty of opportunities in the first half and should have gone ahead.

Ezra Roeg was industrial upfront for the home team but couldn’t put away any of his half chances. The former Newhaven striker’s effort was definitely there for all to see. Unfortunately, AFC Varndeanians were not at the races today and it was in the second half that YMCA made them pay.

Just eight minutes into the second half Sam Henderson scored a fortunate but deserved goal after his cross/shot ended up in the corner of the net. 1-0 to Horsham.

YMCA dominated the second period but had to wait until the 88th minute when substitute Luke Bejashivili powered through a challenge and rifled his shot past Sonni Nealgrove.

The third goal came just three minutes later through substitute Charlie Martin. Alfie Jones hit a long pass upfield and the pacey Martin won the race to the ball and buried it in the back of the net.

Veteran midfielder and hard-man Ashley Dugdale laid off a cultured pass to Martin who again found the target past a stricken Sonni Nealgrove for the visitors fourth goal of the afternoon.

Alieu Secka had a great game in goal for YMCA, keeping clean sheet and commanding his area well. The substitutes came on at the right time and goes to show how important the whole squad is, Man of the Match was awarded to Martin.

The YM boss, Liam Giles was delighted after the game and said on X,
“We’re in transition and still have a massive job on hands. However, today the buy in was superb and we were clinical, first away win for the club since August. We move on with tougher tests ahead”.

Next Saturday, YMCA play local rivals Roffey away while AFC Varndeanians are away to Little Common FC..