YMCA came into the match after a disappointing loss to Newhaven and currently sit 13th in the Southern Combination Premier Division. Peacehaven and Telscombe have won their last two league matches and are 8th in the table.

The away team started the game well at the Herbert Direct Stadium. MacClean and Callum Edwards were putting the YMCA defence under pressure in the opening minutes. Alfie Jones was winning the battle in the air and Jordan Brown was keeping the shots out.

On the 19th minute it was the home side who took the lead. They attacked down the right wing, the ball was played back to Jack Marney, who skilfully side footed the ball past Ryan Hammond for a great team goal.

The Tye came back with efforts from Edwards and former Sheffield United youth player, Tashae Andall-Gibbons. Jordan Brown pulled off a great diving save to keep the score at 1-0.

Just before halftime, the away side got their equaliser. The ball was crossed in from the right and defender Harry Docherty rose the highest to head the ball towards goal. YMCA’s keeper, Brown dived and got his hand to it but it found the back of the net, a deserved equaliser for the away team.

The second half saw substitutions and a few yellow cards in a hotly contested match. YMCA went ahead for the second time, this time it was a super strike from Roje Grant. On the 61st minute Horsham took a free kick on the right, the goalkeeper parried the surprise shot and the ball was cleared to the edge of the box. Grant set himself like Zidane and struck his left footed volley into the top corner of Peacehaven’s goal.

At 2-1 it was the Tye who pushed forward for an equaliser rather than YMCA going for a third to kill off the match. They got their just deserts when Edwards took a free-kick, the ball evaded everyone and crept into the bottom corner, 2-2.

The game became scrappy and tackles were becoming wild. Peacehaven and Telscombe came close to winning the match. With minutes remaining, Edwards saw his name up in lights and struck the ball well, but with a bang echoing through the stadium, YMCA were pleased to see the ball bounce off the post.

Horsham also had an opportunity with Connor Collcutt. He had a 1 on 1 with the keeper, but unfortunately, his shot was saved. The game ended 2-2 which was a fair result.

YMCA’s boss, Liam Giles said,
“We played a high pressing game which forced a lot of errors. We were fantastic in possession and dominated the ball. We were the better team out there today, unfortunately we conceded two set-piece goals. It was a positive display”.

Man of the match went to Jack Marney for his all round performance and his great goal.

This weekend, Peacehaven and Telscombe are at home to Bexhill United while Horsham YMCA are away to Wick FC who are currently 15th in the league.