Hornets expecting '˜tough task' against Loxwood with top spot up for grabs

As a result of not having a scheduled game on Saturday, the Hornets slipped to third as Eastbounre Town leapfrogged both them and Lancing to take over at the summit.

Dominic Di Paola’s side can go back to the top of the pile with three points at Plaistow Road, but the Horsham manager is expecting a hard game against a side he rates highly.

He said: “I’m pleased to get a game on as I was concerned that we looked a bit leggy in the last 20 minutes against EP (last Saturday).

“It’s a much tougher proposition tonight. It’ll be a tough game for us, they are a good young side and play good football the right way, so it’s going to be a tough task.

“They are a good little team in my opinion.”

That team sees a wealth of young players that play in Loxwood boss Mark Beard’s Love The Ball Academy and Loxwood under-18s, held together by senior faces including former Horsham captain Eddie French.

The Magpies currently sit sixth in the table, 16 points off leaders Eastbourne Town, but have ambitions to finish as high as they can this year.

Beard said: “We can’t wait. We know they (Horsham) are a good team, but I think they are a bit frustrated with having a few games off.

“It could work one of two ways, they could be a bit stale or be chomping at the bit.”

The Magpies are expecting to name the same team as they did in their 4-1 win over Worthing United on Saturday.

Horsham will be without the injured Graham Martin and Kevin Keehan and suspended Terry Dodd, while Darren Boswell is a doubt will illness.

Kick-off at Plaistow Road is 7.45pm.

As well as that derby, Horsham YMCA also host local rivals Broadbridge Heath at Gorings Mead tonight.

Kick-off is 7.30pm and there has been no news of any possible pitch inspection.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!