A late header from right-back Tom Graves gave The Hornets a rather undeserved three points on Saturday afternoon at the Atspeed Stadium and ensured that they completed a league double over the Angels.

There was just one change on the teamsheet for the visitors from the side that drew 0-0 with Dover during midweek. New loan signing Steve Sodje, from Hampton & Richmond, came into the starting eleven to replace winger Darren Smith. Smith was accompanied on a very attack minded bench by strikers Wade Falana and Leroy Huggins as well as new recruit Danny Ward and player-boss Tony Dolby.

Both sides started confidently and it was clear from the off that neither side had a defeat or draw in the front of their mind, end to end stuff straight from the kick-off. The Angels had the first real opportunity of the contest as Fraser Logan whipped in a delightful ball from the left flank that was met by the head of the diving Sodje. His effort flew narrowly over the crossbar. Logan was causing Tom Graves all sorts of problems and was once again in the thick of the action, again supplying a teasing cross this time for the unmarked Sodje to have a header cleared off the line by ex-Sutton man Nigel Brakes. Horsham carved out their first half chance of the match midway through the first half as Lee Carney weaved his way through the static Angels defence to find himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Jerome John. The classy midfielder drilled his effort wide of the upright much to the disappointment of the vocal home support. The home side dominated proceedings for the final ten minutes before the interval and should’ve perhaps gone into the break a goal to the good. But for a world-class save from the outstanding John, Jamie Taylor would have grabbed his 21st league goal of the campaign.

The second half began in the much the same fashion, with both sides attempting to break the deadlock and grab that vital goal. Fraser Logan drifted past Graves before slicing his effort wide of Rob Frankland’s goal. Steve Sodje then burst into life from midfield but his run came to a grinding halt thanks to the impressive Rob French. Next it was Nick Barnes’ turn to rifle a shot at goal but his 25-yard drive was comfortably palmed away by the home goalkeeper. The introduction of player-boss Tony Dolby seemed to spur the Angels on and with just 20 minutes remaining Jon Main had the best chance of the match for the visitors. Another surge from deep by Man of the Match Steve Sodje resulted in a loose ball on the edge of the area. With Frankland out of goal and just Brake on the line, all Main had to do was place his low shot but was unable to hit the target and somehow managed to find the side netting. The Angels could and perhaps should have been 1-0 up. This came as something of a wake-up call for the hosts who then had their best spell of the game. Taylor, Rook and Charman all had half chances but just couldn’t find away past visiting keeper John. The game looked destined to end in a 0-0 draw, which on reflection would have been the fair result, but it wasn’t to be. The dangerous John Westcott found himself on the left wing and was given enough time and space to float in a magnificent cross to pick out the unmarked right-back Tom Graves who coolly slotted his header into the far corner, leaving Jerome John helpless. The hosts had stolen a slender one-nil victory.

The Angels Online Man of the Match Award was given to Steve Sodje who played excellently on his return from Hampton & Richmond Borough. John Beales also had an excellent game in the heart of the Angels defence.

Report by: Gary Cornwell

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