Match Report
Ryman League: Division One South
 Corinthian-Casuals 0 |
 Horsham YMCA 1 Davis 50 |
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Source: Patrick Corlett, West Sussex County Times |
A DETERMINED Horsham YMCA claimed a crucial 1-0 victory at Corinthian Casuals.
It was a big win for the newly promoted Sussex side as they took a valuable three points off a team near the bottom of the table.
Steve Davis' goal handed YM their second away win of the season as they continued their good form on their travels.
After a nervy start the Gorings Mead side came into the game and deservedly took the lead but they had to withstand late pressure.
Glen Woodburn and emergency centre half, Matt Russell, stood firm as they collected their first clean sheet of the season.
Assistant manager Tommy Sampson took charge for the day in the absence of John Suter and with missing defenders he gambled on Russell.
The striker did a very good job, making tackles and blocks as well winning headers.
Together with Woodburn - who had not played since the win at Kingstonian on August Bank Holiday Monday - they held the Casuals at bay.
Sampson commented: "I was delighted, we've bounced back after a 3-0 loss and responded well.
"John left me in charge of the baby for the weekend, I've fed the baby and will hand it back to John looking very well.
"It was a huge gamble but Matt Russell did excellently. Glen Woodburn had a super game - those two were magnificent.
"I'm not sure - he is pro, he is a professional rignt down to his toe nails," he added.
"They are not the worst team I have seen.
"We had a very streaky first five or ten minutes, they were lively but a bit light weight.
"We played well as a team, popped it around and Steve Davis could have had a hat-trick.
"I'm a great 1-0 man, I'll accept that all my life."
The home side came at YM from the off and should have taken the lead early on.
In the third minute, Craig Dunne was first to a loose ball and forced Jason Dumbrill into a good save but the rebound fell to Jamie Byatt who blazed over from close range.
YM were vulnerable as Dunne superbly picked out Alfie Amponsa-Bonsu at the far post but he lifted it over the bar.
Byatt lashed a good chance over the top before YM settled after a quarter of an hour and had their first attack.
Tom White - who impressed along with Scott Kirkwood in the centre of the park - released Davis with a beautiful pass but his shot was blocked.
The ball fell to Peter Brackley and he stood the ball up for Davis at the far post but he headed a great chance wide.
Captain Dean Garden won a crunching tackle, Brackley fed young Grant Miller - who looked like he can play at this level - but Colin Harris did well to save his drilled shot.
The keeper was called into action again, tipping Russell's header over the bar from a Garden free kick.
YM continued to grow in confidence with Miller and Davis going close before half time.
Woodburn then sprayed a wonderful pass out to James Grant, he jinked inside the full back and flashed a cross-shot wide of the goal.
Within seconds of the restart Dunne hit the bar from distance but it was YM who took the lead in the 50th minute
Miller sent Grant galloping away and he squared the ball for Davis who had all the time in the world to tuck it into the bottom corner.
A nice move, involving Davis, Miller and Grant resulted in the midfield dynamo's shot being well blocked.
As the half wore on Corinthian Casuals went in search of an equaliser but got little change from the YM backline.
A Danny Green cross floated over Dumbrill but Garden headed off the line and Russell blocked the rebound from Byatt.
They put pressure on YM in the last 15 minutes without extending Dumbrill too much, whose handling was top drawer on crosses and long range efforts.
"In the scheme of things they are in our league where as Dover and Leatherhead are in a different league," remarked Sampson.
"When we play the big financial people like Dover, Fleet, Leatherhead we will always do our best to get results, but it's going to be harder."
Hit Man:Steve Davis netted the only goal of the game at Corinthian Casuals for a crucial three points.
Man of the Match: Matt Russell - adapted excellently to playing in the defence.
Magic moment: Glen Woodburn playing like a creative player, he sent a fantastic raking pass out to James Grant on the wing who cut inside and fired across goal.
YM (4-4-2): Dumbrill; Garden, Woodburn, Russell, Levett; Brackley (Shoefield 79), White, Kirkwood, Grant; Miller (Bird 75), Davis.