Match Report
County league: Division One
 Horsham YMCA 4 Metcalf 13, 19,62, 64 | Hailsham 1 MacDonald 16 |  Horsham YMCA 4 Hailsham 1 MacDonald 16 |
| Source: West Sussex County Times |
SAY IT quietly, but there might just be life after John Suter.
Steve Metcalf gave new Horsham YMCA boss Chris White's reign the perfect kick start on Saturday as he bagged all four goals in a 4-1 win against Hailsham.
An entirely different team from last season lined up at Gorings Mead, and produced a slick display, inspired by Metcalf and the irrepressible Tom Lawley. Not even a red card for Shaheen Sadough could dent their sprints.
In fact, Lawley was only a last minute replacement for James Rhodes who suffered a badly broken arm on the eve of the new campaign, and he bossed the game.
White said: "I thought we played some good football.
"I was a bit concerned defensively at half time, but we got that sorted.
"Steve gets himself in the positions and we wanted to see him score more from set pieces like that.
"While Tom has all the ability and plenty of pace, I'm glad I was able to take him on this week."
It may have been new manager and new squad syn-drome, but YM roared out of the traps. Clever passing and some inventive interplay saw them on top in the early stages, with Hailsham barely getting a sniff.
Tom Manton enjoyed the first chance on three minutes - he had a dip from range which Hailsham stopper Glen Jenner spilled round the post.
It didn't take long for the hosts to make the break¬through. Lawley swung over a deep corner from the right which Metcalf, who started the game at left back, met with a thumping far post header.
The first time Hailsham seriously threatened howev¬er, they were back on level terms. YM skipper James Virgo - one of 40 new faces in the squad - horrendously miskicked a clearance which looped backwards, over keeper Tom Rand's head and into the path of Scott McDonald to nip in and touch over the goalline.
Three minutes later YM were back in front. Lawley's free kick from the left hand side appeared to miss every¬one in the box and nestled in the far corner. Metcalf, though, wheeled away in cel¬ebration having applied the final touch to divert the ball past Jenner.
It was a slick surface, which YM enjoyed far more than their visitors. The mid-field was dominant, typified when Wayne Joseph won possession on half way and run unchallenged before hit¬ting a hopeful effort well wide.
Metcalf was called into action at the other end when Hailsham produced a rare breakaway, impressive defending thwarted Callum Holies when the visitors had a two on two.
The half came to an ugly end though. Sadough and Hailsham's Max Dyer received their marching orders when they grappled each other to the floor and punches were thrown. It was out of character of the game, the spat seemed to arise from nothing as pair chased a hopeful punt upfield.
White remarked: "I think Shaz was a little harshly treated there, we'll have to see what we can do."
Hailsham started the sec¬ond period with more intent, Sam Cole drew a neat tip over from Rand. Although just after the hour, the home side extended their lead. Lawley, who trialled at Worthing, was running rings around the opposition defence. His cross after a quick free kick was turned in by Metcalf who completed his hat trick.
Two minutes later it was four. Lawley's cut back from the byline was guided home by Metcalf, who by now was playing a raiding role from midfield.
YM started to wind down, but the closest Hailsham came was when the giant Clay Lamont stepped in to deny McDonald. Lawley had another couple of decent chances, and sub Michael Death's attempt at showboat-ing went wrong. When put through one on one, his 18 yard chip cleared the cross¬bar.
Matt Smith did threaten the YM goal in the second period, rounding Rand, but he found the side netting from an acute angle.
Man of the match: Steve Metcalf. When you score four you can expect little else.
Magic moment: Metcalf's opener, signalling the start of a new era at YM.
YM (4-4-2): Rand; Williams, Metcalf, Lamont, Virgo; Watts (Hayward 78), Joseph (Constable 56), Carter (Death 71), Lawley; Sadough, Manton.
