Match Report
Ryman League: Division One South
 Eastbourne Town 1 Baitup 52 (pen) |  Horsham YMCA 2Ottley 58, Greenfield 89 |
| Source: West Sussex County Times |
A MASSIVE three points was picked up at the death as Horsham YMCA won 2-1 at Eastbourne Town.
It was a managerial masterstroke with the substitutes doing the damage as YM came from behind to snatch the win.
The result brings John Suter's side back in touch with their opposition and Walton Casuals at the foot of the table
After a goalless first half that had plenty of endeavour but lacked quality in blustery conditions the game came to life in the second period.
Dean Garden scythed down Mark Goodwin in the box and Liam Bateup sent Chris Winterton the wrong way.
However, there was a quick riposte from YM when Andy Ottley's free kick eluded everyone and curled in off the inside of the far post.
He then set up fellow sub, Richard Greenfield to calmly slide home the winner in the 89th minute.
"It means Christmas was worthwhile," said Suter. "It's nice to have a one point gap between us and Eastbourne rather than a seven point gap.
"It wasn't a game for football purism. We were hard working and committed but both sides struggled with the conditions.
"Andy Ottley made a difference. He looked sharp and then to add Richard Greenfield's pace was always going to stretch them. Maybe the manager got the starting line-up wrong."
James Grant tested Greg Nessling early on but the keeper turned his first time effort away for a corner and the visitors' only other chance came when Joe Keehan nearly embarrassed the keeper who looked shaky.
His shot from distance bounced just in front of Nessling who failed to gather and the ball squirted away, just off target.
At the other end Luke Denton's shot dipped over the bar and Ben Putland flicked a header wide from a Danny Simmonds free kick.
But just before half time came the best chance, I Denton got to the byline and cut the ball back for Petei Cooper whose initial sho was blocked by Glen Woodburn and he side footed the rebound wide.
After the break Carden fouled Goodwin - who had caused the YM skipper all sorts of problems - on the edge of the box and the referee, Mr Smith, pointed t< the spot. Bateup confidently found the corner of the net to liven up the proceedings in the 52nd minute.
Ottley was introduced a half time for the ill Ore; Palmer, he already lookei dangerous and levelled si minutes later in fortuitou style. He crossed a free kic: from the right touch line int the danger area, nobody got touch and it nestled in the back of the net.
Goodwin got in behid Garden but slotted wide an a quick free kick caught out YM, Simmonds put it on plate for Cooper who leai back and blasted over.
Bateup prodded an effort at Winterton but at the other end Ali Russell and Ottley went close with Keehan being thwarted by a excellent saving tackle as he was pulling the trigger.
Simmonds' cross was headed wide by Dento before the Gorings Mead side struck the crucial blow
Ottley played in Greenfield who raced away and coolly finished under the keeper before doing a festive jig in celebration.
YM stood firm to hold cn for the win with Winterton relieving late pressure by claiming a dangerous corner Suter remarked: "All of a sudden, above all those heads, came a pair of gloves and he caught it to defuse the situation. Chris Winterton is a good keeper."
He added: "It looks a litle bit better but there is still long way to go and we a still in relegation."
Man of the Match: Andy Ottley - changed the garni with his trickery, passing and pace.
Magic Moment: Richard Greenfield netting the winner, but not his celebratory dance.
Teams:
Horsham YMCA: Winterton; Garden, Flack, Woodburn, Keaney; Simpson, Kazemi, Keehan, Grant; A Russell (Greenfield 74), Palmer (Ottley 45).