Copthorne Sunday Reserves 1 vs 2 Horsham 1881

On 13 September 2026, Horsham 1881 travelled to Copthorne Sunday Reserves in a league away fixture that kicked off promptly at 10:00am. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Horsham 1881 after a competitive 90 minutes plus injury time, with the visitors securing a hard-fought victory.

Horsham 1881 lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, deploying Daniel Dix in goal. The defensive line consisted of Damian Carter at right back, Jordan Johal and Darren Jestico as central defenders, and Amaury Alejandro Toloza Lara on the left. The midfield four featured Jack Greenow on the right wing, Charlie Packham and Alex Parsons centrally, and Reza Pourmohammad Sofiani on the left flank. Up front, the strike partnership was formed by Daniel Cannons on the right and Pete Monniot on the left. The substitutes bench included John Tickle, Charlie Horrill, Ashley Iles, and Joel Arnold. The advantages of a large squad had seen 5 players sadly dropped before the game but in more positive ways also seen Chris Dix falling ill overnight being replaced by Wilson.

The 4-4-2 setup was expected to provide balance across the pitch, with the full-backs tasked with defensive solidity and supporting wide play, while the central midfielders aimed to control the tempo and link defence with attack. The wide midfielders were to supply crosses and stretch the opposition, and the two forwards were charged with leading the line and converting chances.

From the outset Horsham 1881 took control and chances were aplenty but sadly chances came and went. The defensive line meanwhile held strong and gave Copthorne very little. Horsham 1881 finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Daniel Cannons found the net to give the visitors a deserved lead, capitalising on a well-worked move and assist from Captain Monniot that showcased his poaching instincts. Just before half time the ref gave a controversial penalty after Pourmohammed was deemed to have handballed. The Copthorne striker fortunately unable to convert as Dix made a strong save and 1881 deservedly led at the break.

Horsham 1881 made a substitution at half time, last season's captain John Tickle replacing Reza Pourmohammad Sofiani in midfield as they switched to a 433. The eagerly awaited combination of Tickle, Packham and Parsons coming together for the first time however it was not to last long as Parsons pulled up with a back injury and was forced to withdraw, being replaced by Charlie Horrill.

Just a few minutes later, Horsham 1881 doubled their lead through a stunning solo effort from right midfielder Jack Greenow. His individual brilliance saw him weave past defenders before slotting home, providing a crucial two-goal cushion.

Chances continues to come and go for Horsham to put the game to bed. Ashley Iles replaced right back Damian Carter in the 60th minute, as Horsham 1881 looked to fresh legs and maintain defensive stability. Copthorne started to see more of the ball and attack with more effectiveness and pressure told, when in the 61st minute Allaway pulled a goal back for the home side, setting up an unlikely tense finale.

With the match finely poised, Horsham 1881 made their final substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on Joel Arnold for left defender Amaury Alejandro Toloza Lara. The best opportunities to kill the game for the away side probably fell to Tickle who had done all the hard work but pulled his final effort wide and Greenow who missed out on bagging a brace as his spectacular effort hit the bar.

Despite Copthorne's increased pressure and efforts in the last 10 minutes or so to find an equaliser, Horsham 1881 held firm to secure a 2-1 victory on the road. The disciplined defensive work combined and never say die attitude of the visitors seeing out this closely contested league encounter.

This Horsham team is building something promising and once the goals start to flow they will be a force to be reckoned with.