A Derby Day Delirium - Logan Rankin

The Enterprise National League South had a massively entertaining game to witness this afternoon, the home team going 2-0 up, and almost winning. 

The Hornets have brought in adequate personal to establish themselves in the league, but with 44 more games to go, anything can happen... Horsham won promotion to the National League South, via winning the level below, by a singular goal. On the opening day, they were unlucky not to salvage a draw, where they narrowly were defeated by Chelmsford City, courtesy of a late Harry Barbrook goal.

The Hop Oast Stadium was buzzing almost 2 hours before kickoff and they imagined a terrific derby between 2 great sides, with their last affair, in a league basis, being in 2019 with Ollie Pearce scoring twice and a 3-0 display. This was back when Worthing were in the Isthmian Premier, and The Rebels have drastically improved their squad since 6 years ago. Horsham fans were eagerly anticipating this game, and they're well right to be, with this being their first every campaign in Step 2.

Kickoff - Horsham vs Worthing

Straight away it seemed to be a chagey affair with not many chances coming to life untill the 19th minute, where Joe Cook nets into his own net and gives Horsham a lead. Not even 10 minutes after the goal that drew first blood, Hornets fans' were convinced it would be a case of derby day delights as ex-Worthing winger, Greg Luer, netted a goal to double Horsham 's cushion. Worthing would soon give themselves a lifeline 4 minutes from the half, as ex-Billericay and Hastings striker, Temi Babalola, netted past Lewis Carey. The Rebels continued to prod and poke to find an equalizer before the half ended, and they did just that, as is the 45+7' left back, Sam Beard, would find the net and sent the away fans into delusion.

HT: Horsham 2-2 Worthing

Both teams would start to settle for the first 20 minutes of the second half, as they would see minimal chances. Jack Spong would find his way through the yellow and green backline, and slot another goal to make it seem,  they've completed the comeback. It wasn't enough for Worthing, just the goal lead, so only 4 minutes later, Sam Packham would bag his first of the season, and make it almost obvious who were the winners of the derby. Horsham weren't quite done yet however, as Oxford United academy product, James Roberts, would give Horsham the slightest glimpse of hope... As much The Hornets would drive and push for an equalizer in the opening exchanges, Worthing have truly completed the comeback.

FT: Horsham 3-4 Worthing

Worthing would win in arguably the hardest way possible from being 2 down, and scraping a narrow 3-4 victory.

An entertaining watch for any neutral, but I'm not so sure Horsham fans and players will be overly pleased...