MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham vs Horsham | Saturday 6th December| National League South
Teejan Sowe previews the first ever league visit of Horsham.
The Bluebirds host The Hornets looking to sting their Promotion hopes this Saturday.
The Opposition
Horsham FC, founded in 1871, are one of the oldest football clubs in Sussex. The club began their journey, joining the Sussex County League and later the Isthmian League. During the early 20th century, Horsham built a solid reputation, winning several Sussex County League titles. Their first real taste of national success came in 1966 when they reached the First Round of the FA Cup, losing 3-0 to Swindon Town at home in front of a record 7,134 attendance, which remains a highlight in the club’s history.
The club’s most significant achievement came in the 2007–08 FA Cup when they reached the Second Round for the first time in their history. They faced Swansea City who were in League One at the time and earned a 1–1 draw at home before losing 6–2 in the replay.
In 2008 their ground Queen Street was sold to developers, and thanks to some ‘local football politics’ they would be forced to groundshare with Worthing (20 miles away) for the 08/09 season and then in 09/10 season with neighbours Horsham YMCA. In the 11/12 season the club struggled with relegation, however managed to stay afloat the season prior with some stability and winning the Brighton Charity Cup, two seasons consecutively.
In 2019, Horsham finally had their own stadium; The Hop Hoast Stadium, a move that marked a new chapter in the club’s history. The return to a permanent home has sparked a resurgence for the Hornets, with the club now competing at a higher level in the Isthmian Premier Division. Their strong performances, combined with a well-run club structure and an attractive style of play, have restored Horsham’s status as one of the more competitive sides in non-league football, with recent FA Cup runs earning them 3 consecutive 1st round or further. Their most memorable moment came thanks to a forfieted tie by Barnsley allowing them to reach the Second Round.
Last season was also an historic one, as a three way title fight on the final day between the Hornets, Dartford and Billericay. Thanks to a victory over Hashtag United, they earned the title thanks to a one goal swing on goal difference.
Fixture History
There is little to no fixture history between the Bluebirds and The Hornets. We have met just once in the clubs’ joint 300 year history, in 07/08’s FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifier. Should CTFC have won, it would have earned us just our second ever First Round berth. Horsham won thanks to goals from Lewis Taylor, Simon Austin and Carl Rook putting them three to the good, despite a close run comeback attempt and goals from Luke Gullick and Kevin Halliday the match ended 3-2 to the visitors.
In the First Round Horsham beat Maidenhead 4-1, before their draw and then 6-2 loss to Swansea City. The Swans lost to Havant & Waterlooville in Round Three, who themselves in Round Four twice lead at Anfield and nearly pulled up one of the biggest FA ‘Cupsets’ ever.
Dangermen
James Hammond – The 28-year-old this season has predominantly started centrally in the midfield, racking up 4 goals and 2 assists. He joined in the middle of 2023. Since getting promoted last season, he has thrived and played every single minute for Horsham.
Harvey Sparks – has thrived in the new division of the NLS and became Horsham’s top assister this season. He is their longest serving player and knows all the ins and outs of the club. We’ll have to wait and see if he brings his spark this Saturday.
Supporter Information
Match Tickets can be bought from our INTIX page here! Cash and Card is accepted on the gate.
See you there Bluebirds! 💙
