Match Report
County League:Division One
 Horsham YMCA 1 Trevor 70 |  Ringmer 2Jones 48 Shepherd 60 |
Date: 22nd October 2005 Location: Gorings Mead
Source: West Sussex County Times
YM BOSS John Suter still thinks his side can retain the County League title after watching them surrender top spot following a 2-1 defeat at home to new leaders Ringmer.
In a tempestuous game, where red mist descended both on and off the field in a number of unsavoury incidents, YM fell two down on the hour and despite pulling a goal back through Kris Trevor, could not stave off their second league defeat of the season.
Suter, although disappointed to lose, remained upbeat and typically philosophical.
"It's not terminal - leagues are not lost in October," he said. "They are only one point ahead of us."
YM missed two good chances to open the scoring in a goalless first half.
Trevor broke clear only to see his shot saved by Ross Standen at the near post when he should have fired across the goalkeeper.
Dean Garden also spurned a glorious opening, Standen making the save after the YM wing-back had burst clear.
"If we had scored I think we would have gone on to win it," said Suter.
Ringmer took the lead three minutes after the interval.
Ellis Hooper, who re-signed after starting the season with Carshalton, looked in little danger under a high ball but his attempted headed clearance fell to Ringmer forward Gavin Jones who slotted expertly past lan Chatfield.
"The first goal was a big psychological advantage, but I'm not sure they deserved it," said Suter.
The visitors doubled their advantage on the hour after Tom Carter failed to clear the ball properly. Dominic Shepherd was merciless in his punishment, skilfully rolling clear before shooting home.
But YM battled hard and pulled a goal back ten minutes later when Trevor burst through and scored.
The home side pushed men forward looking for an equaliser but were vulnerable when Ringmer broke in numbers and the visitors might have added to their lead but a three-on-one attack was somehow thwarted.
YM had a great chance to level in the dying moments but Ali Russell shot wide.
"My biggest complaint was how often we gave the ball away," said Suter. "We also continually played balls straight into their keeper's hands. He was indebted to us - they were bread and butter catches and he should have bought half our team drinks in the bar afterwards.
"I felt that neither side deserved to win and neither deserved to lose, it could have gone either way," he added.
Suter expects Ringmer to be challenging at the end of the season.
"They are the best team we have played against this season. John Crumplin [Ringmer manager] thinks both sides will be there or thereabouts at the end," said Suter.
YM return to action tomorrow when they travel to Combined Counties side Chessington & Hook in the first round of the FA Vase. "I don't know much about them. I know they play at Chalky Lane and that Chessington World of Adventures is nearby. I'm going to take my boys there beforehand but it's geared towards 12 year olds so it might be too much for some of them," he joked.
However, Suter has a difficult decision to make regarding selection for the trip. With Hooper returning to the fold, the YM manager has to decide how to accommodate his talented centre-half as the dependable Carter and Glen Woodburn have struck up a good understanding at the heart of the YM defence this season.
Suter used Hooper in a 3-5-2 formation against Ringmer but is considering reverting back to his tried and tested 4-4-2 tomorrow.
"It creates a problem, but you can't turn down a player that plays Conference South," insisted Suter. Suter also has a problem up front following the recent departure of Nick Flint to Three Bridges.
The Gorings Mead boss only has Trevor and Russell to choose from and will be praying they both avoid injury.
Team: (4-4-2): Chatfield; Woodburn, Hooper, Carter; Garden, Duffield (Hudai 72), Westgate, Eldridge, Grant; Trevor, Russell.