East Grinstead Town Edge Past Horsham U14 In Tight Encounter

East Grinstead Town welcomed Horsham U14 to their home ground on 30 April 2025 for a league match that kicked off at 6:00pm. The match concluded with East Grinstead securing a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to an early goal from Harry Goodall.

East Grinstead Town lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Josh Goody took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Mason Terry on the right, Adam Bannister and Charlie Walton as central defenders, and Tommy Clarabut on the left. Bobby Lindsay operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Ahead of him, Haydon Davis and Tom Piper occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Dexter Sudbury and Toby Broughton played centrally, supporting the lone striker, Harry Goodall.

The substitutes for East Grinstead included Sam Gadd, who would later make an impact on the match.

The game began with East Grinstead asserting their dominance early on. Just five minutes into the match, Harry Goodall found the back of the net, scoring from close range after a clever flick assist from Dexter Sudbury. This early goal set the tone for the match, as East Grinstead looked to build on their lead.

As the first half progressed, East Grinstead maintained control, with Bobby Lindsay orchestrating play from the midfield. However, Horsham began to find their rhythm, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their efforts, the East Grinstead defence held firm, with Walton and Bannister effectively neutralising any threats.

In the 35th minute, East Grinstead made their first substitution, bringing on Sam Gadd for Dexter Sudbury in a tactical switch aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. The first half concluded shortly after, with East Grinstead leading 1-0.

The second half saw Horsham come out with renewed determination, pressing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. East Grinstead, however, remained resolute, with Goody making a couple of crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.

In the 60th minute, East Grinstead made another substitution, reintroducing Dexter Sudbury in place of Tom Piper. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield as East Grinstead sought to maintain their slender lead.

As the match wore on, Horsham continued to push forward, but East Grinstead's defence held strong, with Terry and Clarabut providing vital support on the flanks. The home side's resilience paid off, as they managed to see out the remaining minutes without conceding.

Ultimately, East Grinstead Town's early goal proved decisive, allowing them to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Horsham U14. The win not only showcased their defensive capabilities but also highlighted their ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.