Broadbridge Heath take local bragging rights over Horsham YMCA in Supplementary Shield opener
YMCA created chances, but Heath won the local derby bragging rights at their Countryside Stadium in bracing conditions, with the visitors unable to recover from two excellent first half Jamie Taylor goals.
With the game feeling like the start of a new season, Heath attacked straight from the off and might have scored in the first ten seconds.
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Hide AdYM responded, only for Heath to launch two further forays. But, after a cross went uncollected, Ben Cooksley volleyed directly at YM keeper Aaron Jeal.
A YM free kick was punched clear by Liam Matthews, before a lob from Jamie Gibson was safely averted by Jeal.
Then came a key moment in the game when YM’s Jay Popham was brought down in the box, with Matthews pulling off an excellent diving save at full stretch to keep out Adrian Todd’s spot kick.
Opportunities followed at both ends, with Jeal rushing out to gather ahead of Popham firing straight at Matthews.
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Hide AdBut, Heath were not to be denied, when, just beyond the half hour mark, a diving Taylor header gave Jeal no chance.
YM retaliated, but Todd was well off target and Jeffrey Yohou found the side netting, until, at the other end, just before half time, Cooksley’s strike was parried out for Taylor to slot home from close quarters
Resuming with a 2-0 advantage, Heath earned an early corner, but this time Taylor went wide.
Two YM crosses went begging, and then Todd was unable to beat the prone Matthews.
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Hide AdA Cooksley shot was saved by Jeal’s legs, but, following YM substitutions, Heath were having to pack their defence to keep the visitors at bay.
The ever-menacing Taylor brought out the best in Jeal, but YM were pressing, yet their four corners came and went unfulfilled, prior to Charlie Parminter rubbing salt in with a late tap – in the 91st minute
Broadbridge Heath secretary Andy Crisp told the County Times: “It’s great to get football back on again with a win at the start of this new competition.
"Jamie Taylor is still a class player and his finishing made all the difference.”
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Hide AdHorsham YMCA manager Dean Carden added: “We created plenty of chances with the bulk of the corners and a missed penalty, had that gone in we’d have had the lead and the outcome might have been different, so 3-0 was a little flattering.
"But, we made some silly mistakes and need to iron out those kinks when we meet Alfold at Gorings Mead on Tuesday.”
This Saturday YM host Loxwood, while Heath entertain Alfold.
Meanwhile, Horsham YMCA announced that their Covid-delayed AGM, originally scheduled for July 2020, will now take place remotely on Monday, April 26 at 7.30pm.
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Hide AdDetails will be notified to members shortly, but any enquiries can be directed to the club via [email protected].
The 2021 AGM is proposed to be held with normal attendance (government restrictions permitting) on July 19 at 7.30pm in the Gorings Mead main hall.