On Tuesday 11th November Hampton & Richmond Borough travel to West Sussex Horsham to face the 4th-placed side in the National League South Horsham.
Unfortunately, it was another away defeat against Chelmsford City last time out for the Beavers who now sit 18th in the National League South.
The 1-0 loss played out in now familiar fashion, a decent performance that lacked a cutting edge with two forwards out and striker Reece Grego-Coz only fit enough to make a substitute appearance as he himself works back to full fitness.
Three new signings completed in the hours before all slotted into the starting lineup. Goalkeeper Matt Rowley made his debut in between the sticks for the Beavers after current number 1 James Holden was the subject of a seven-day approach.
QPR U21s defender Alex Wilkie also made his debut at right back, and Gibraltarian international winger Carlos Richards featured ahead of him.
Manager Alan Julian said “I thought all of them were exceptional…three huge pluses for us, [and it gives us] a little more depth”
In his post-match interview he added, “We know we’re on a tough run at the moment, but I am so encouraged by what the group are showing, their spirit, belief, togetherness. All ingredients that you have to have. “
Another positive to take from the match was Rohan Ince’s performance. The veteran midfielder went 90 minutes for the first time this season, donning the captain’s armband also.
A positive second-half performance needs to be built on in the upcoming test against a Horsham side who haven’t lost since the 27th of September.
Last season’s Isthmian League Premier champions have taken to life in the National League South like ducks to water in their first ever appearance at this level in their 144-year history.
The Hornets have eight wins from 17, including impressive victories against Torquay at home and Maidstone away, as well as holding unbeaten league leaders Hornchurch to a 1-1 draw at the beginning of October.
Last weekend they bested Slough Town 1-0 at home courtesy of an 85th-minute penalty, and the Tuesday prior drew to Dover. The Beavers represent their third home fixture in seven days.
A player to look out for is the new loan-signing Ricky Aguiar has joined on loan from National League side York City. The midfielder made 90 appearances for Worthing, scoring 15 goals.
We last played Horsham in the Ryman League Premier Division in 2006-7, drawing one and winning the other league tie 2-1 on the way to winning promotion to the National League South.
The man in the opposite dugout to Julian, Dom Di Paola won the National League South Manager of the Month Award for October, typifying their excellent start to life at Step 2 level.
It will no doubt be another tough challenge, but the new signings and hopefully a few more injury returns will give the squad a much-needed boost as the energy of the squad refuses to waver.
Up the Beavers!
The Beavers return to the Bev is getting ever closer after this long spell of away trips, so make sure you get your tickets in advance to secure your spot on both the 22nd and 25th!
Grab your tickets here!
By Jack Lonergan