Horsham YMCA 2-1 Chatham Town

Chatham Town’s penultimate game of the season ended in a 2-1 defeat at Gorings Mead, writes Neil Sanders.

Horsham YMCA had most of the possession in the opening 15 minutes but Chatham created the first clear chance.

James Holder headed Brad King’s cross on for Darren Smith to volley a foot over the bar.

Chats then took the lead in the 20^th minute when Holder met Rob Goodger’s long throw with a looping header, which found the net just inside the far post.

The home side didn’t take long to equalise and made the most of a scuffed clearance after 27 minutes. Scott Kirkwood found the top corner from 20 yards with a curling right foot shot.

They then came close to taking the lead when Steve Davies beat John Whitehouse to the ball in the 18 yard box, but Goodger made an excellent block in front of goal to clear the danger.

It was Goodger’s last contribution as he was substituted soon afterwards due to an injury.

Chances were hard to come by in the second half, but it was Kirkwood who made the telling contribution for Horsham on 53 minutes.

He’d already shown what he could do from long range and made the most of a free kick 30 yards out, finding the bottom corner with a powerful drive.

Chats put the home defence under some pressure with a series of corners and free kicks just after the hour mark, but were unable to create a clear opening.

Their best chance came from sub Tyran James 8 minutes from time, when he cut inside past a defender to fire in a low shot which brought a good save from Dean Ruddy.

Both sides struggled to control the ball on a hard bumpy pitch and consequently there were more long balls thumped forward than in recent games.

Chatham will be hoping to finish the season with a better performance when they entertain Molesey in their last match next Saturday.

Chatham Town: Whitehouse, Binks, King, Larkin, Goodger (Best 37), Groombridge, Smith, Brooks, Holder, Lyons (James 64), Suter. Subs: Govey, Finn, Winter-Nolan.