Two tribes go to war in Sussex Cup
LOCAL rivals Horsham take on YM on Tuesday evening in the Sussex Senior Cup second round.
The two teams have only crossed swords once before in competitive action while John Maggs has been in charge of the Hornets and it was not a good result for the former Crawley man.
He had only just taken over the reigns at Horsham and the club was in disarray, leaving John Suter's men - inspired by Matt Russell in his first spell at the club - to take full advantage with a 4-0 triumph.
They have met in pre-sea-son friendlies in the last two years with Horsham winning 3-1 at Gorings Mead in the official opening of their new facilities and 5-2 the year before.
Maggs commented: "I'm taking it very seriously."
Horsham lost out in last year's final to Lewes having dumped Brighton & Hove Albion and Crawley Town out of the competition and the boss would dearly love another showpiece final.
He added: "We all know what's on offer at the end of the day - a really good day out in May.
"I know they [YM] will be up for it and we will as well.
"When I just started we went over there and they put Four past us but things have :hanged. ,
"The side I had then was a :eam going into the County League, they had the better side in that period," reflected Maggs.
"I can't see that happening his time.
"If we can win that will do is nicely."
However, he is wary of the >otential threat that YM can >ose.
"John [Suter] will bring a iide over whose intentions vill be to beat us and rub our loses in it and we've got to nake sure that doesn't hap->en.
"We will be favourites but they've had some good results this season.
"They had a good performance against Maidstone and every time I have watched them they have improved.
"I know my players won't want to lose - local pride is at stake," stated Maggs.
His opposite number knows they will be up against it, Suter remarked: "The odds are in their favour.
"They are successful in the the Ryman Premier League and we are adapting to life in Division 1 South.
"I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be nice to play them because it is a local derby.
"It's going to be a good game, there will be a big crowd there and it's going to be a good atmosphere."
The derby clash will be YM's second big game in four days after they travel to Dartford on Saturday where the Kent side will have the official opening of their new ground.
Dartford are finally heading home this weekend after many years away as they prepare to host YM in the Ryman Division 1 South match.
They once hosted League football at Watling Street as landlords of Maidstone United in the early 1990s but having spent time at other non league grounds are set to pack out their new Princes Park stadium in preparation for Suter's men.
He commented: "We are cast in the role of sacrificial lamb on Saturday.
"We are not going up there to be a sacrificial lamb though, we are going up there to pee on their fireworks.
"It is a huge day for them, it's been seven years in the making.
"It is a complete sell out, there will be 4,000 people there.
"But at the end of the day, all that is there for us is a game of football - the only satisfaction for me will be if we come away with three points."
Although that could be easier said than done after YM's 6-0 battering there in the FA Trophy.
"I'm encouraged by the way we played on Saturday against Fleet but concerned that over the last few games we've been up and down like a preverbial yoyo," said the Gorings Mead supremo.
"I don't believe that they will beat us 6-0 again.
"They definitely deserved to win but we gave away three goals, they didn't deserve 6-0 and I've said to the lads it won't happen again.
"We will do our best and you never know in football."
Horsham host Billericay Town on the same day with the fixture set to be Kevin Hemsley's last in his loan period from Eastbourne Borough.
"Billericay will be Kevin Hemsley's last game on loan," said Maggs.
"I haven't made my mind up yet, I will do that after the game, it depends on finances.
"He was a big earner at Eastbourne Borough - I don't think that I can match that but I need to talk to him," he explained.
"For me he would be a good addition to the squad. He's got a lot more, and I mean a lot more, in his locker than we have seen so far.
"We will know within seven days," added Maggs.
Another central defender, Andy Howard, played the full 90 minutes in a reserve game against Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday evening. He came through it OK so he could come in for the YM game if a permanent move for Hemsley cannot be agreed.