Horsham 1881 3 vs 3 EG Wanderers First

Horsham 1881 welcomed EG Wanderers First to their home ground on 20 September 2026 for a lively league encounter. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw after 90 minutes of pulsating action overseen by referee James Goodall, who delivered an overall excellent performance. With just ten spectators in attendance, the teams served up an entertaining contest full of goals and tactical shifts.

Horsham 1881 set up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, deploying Peter Kersley in goal for the first time this season to marshal the defence. The backline line once again consisted of Carter, Johal, Jestico and Toloza. In midfield, Jack Greenow operated on the right, Charlie Packham and Harry Maynard with his first appearance of the season held the central midfield roles, while Daniel Cannons took up the left midfield berth. Up front, Oliver Parsons and Pete Monniot led the attack. The substitutes named on the bench were Charlie Horrill, Daniel Long, Ashley Iles, Samuel Borrett and Luke Erricker.

Once again and becoming a trend this season, the visitors had youth on their side and tested the home side defense early doors, countering with devastating effect with long balls and through balls really testing the 1881 back four and they struck early to unsettle the hosts, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. EG Wanderers doubled their advantage by the 26th minute, putting Horsham 1881 on the back foot as the home side struggled to find rhythm and were being overrun in the midfield. After the second goal, Parsons dropped into the midfield to match the away team in the centre of the park and that eased some of the constant pressure 188 had been under. Horsham were not without their chances, Jestico hit the bar from a corner, Johal narrowly headed over and Cannons found the keeper in fine form after he failed to convert a host of chances as he ran their full back ragged. Horsham also had a late penalty but Maynard blazed it over the bar.

At the interval, Horsham made two changes with Daniel Long replacing Oliver Parsons and Ashley Iles coming on for Amaury Alejandro Toloza Lara, just a tweak and fresh legs.

The second half began with renewed vigour from Horsham 1881 and Daniel Cannons pulled one back in the 49th minute, sparking hope among the home supporters. Just six minutes later, Jack Greenow levelled the scores with a well-taken goal, showcasing his growing influence on the right flank. The home team in the ascendancy much to the frustration of the away teams coach although EG were still dangerous on the counter.

Horsham were forced into a couple of changes as Carter tweaked a groin and was replaced by Borrett and Packham's legs had run their race and he was replaced by Horrill.

Despite Horsham’s resurgence, EG Wanderers regained the lead in the 75th minute, restoring their advantage and setting up a tense finale. Horsham responded with determination, further changes made as Maynard and Monniott were replaced by Ericker and Parsons just to freshen things up and Jack Greenow went up top and there then was tactical tweak moving Cannons to the right hand side and it was he who struck again in the 82nd minute to bring the game level once again. Both sides pushed for winner in the closing stages but to no avail.

The match concluded with both sides locked at 3-3, a fair reflection of a contest that swung back and forth. There were some stand out performaces including Johal who marshalled the back 4 and was so often the saviour. Cannons with a further two goals to add to his tally but it was Greenow’s tireless work on the right wing earning him the player of the match accolade, his goal and overall contribution pivotal in Horsham’s fightback. The referee James Goodall maintained control throughout, ensuring the game flowed despite the high stakes and intensity.

Horsham 1881 will take heart from their second-half revival but will rue the early concessions that ultimately cost them two points. Meanwhile, EG Wanderers demonstrated resilience and clinical finishing to keep themselves firmly in the mix in this competitive league campaign.