Match Report
County League:Division One
 Shoreham 0 |  Horsham YMCA 1 Hurley o.g. 23 |
Date: 27th September 2005 Location: Middle Road, Shoreham
Source: West Sussex County Times
YM MANAGER John Suter has noticed that opponents raise their game when they are playing his County League champions.
"There is a difference in how the opposition approaches us. Teams start off well against us but they can't do that for 90 minutes," said the veteran boss.
Shoreham provided the holders' latest test on Tuesday night and while YM could not reproduce some of their sparkling form in front of goal, they still managed to collect the points, albeit courtesy of an own goal.
"It was a very good three points, hard fought against a side whose position belies their ability. They were better than I thought they would be and a lot of teams will go down there and get nothing," added Suter.
Missing Phil Fitzgerald, Matt Duffield, Nick Levett, Wayne Potter, Joel O'Hara and Barrie Westgate, but with Kris Trevor back in the starting line-up after a five-week suspension, YM dealt with an aerial bombardment as Shoreham looked to take advantage of their big men.
"The two centre-halves did well, as did Adam O'Carroll," said Suter.
One of their man mountains, Martin O'Donnell, had the first chance of the game when he fired on goal but Tom Carter managed to deflect it over the bar.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 22nd minute. After good work by James Grant, Nick Flint's cross-come-shot was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Matt Hurley.
Trevor, who has missed nine games, then sent Russell Eldridge clear with a return pass but the midfielder scuffed his shot wide. Eldridge had earlier miscued another decent opening. Moments later Grant shot into the side-netting as YM's class became evident.
Trevor and Flint, who are similar in the way they play, began to link up well as YM took the game to their hosts. YM could have doubled their lead when Flint sent Trevor clear but the rusty striker squandered the opportunity.
Eldridge fired another ' chance wide after latching on to Russell's flick-on from Ian Chatfield's long kick.
YM's keeper had to be alert when Shoreham did threaten, diving to scoop away Ben Milford's free-kick which looked destined to creep inside the far post.
Former YM defender James Davis almost gave his old side a helping hand when he nearly turned Dean Garden's cross into his own net.
YM have an unenviable journey tomorrow when they visit Rye & Iden.
Team: (4-4-2): Chatfield; Garden, Carter, Woodburn, O'Carroll; Brabon (Sleat 76), Eldridge, Russell, Grant; Trevor, Flint.