We welcomed back Kevin Kardel in goal for the Salts, while Craig Dundas started up front, and Carl Oblitey dropped to the bench. Jason Bloor was also among the substitutes, with Ali Fofahan returning to the starting line-up. Former Salts players Will Kendall and Lewis Perch were in Horley Town’s starting XI.

Once again, the Salts made a poor start, conceding after just four minutes when ex-Salts striker Will Kendall headed home. Horley doubled their lead in the 31st minute after a corner was not cleared, leading to a goalmouth scramble in which Ben Senior found the net.

Shortly afterwards, Anthony Nazareth was booked and sin-binned, reducing the Salts to ten men. Despite several promising attacks, the assistant referee’s performance left much to be desired—he was consistently behind the play, raising his flag late before sprinting another ten metres and stopping.

The score remained 2–0 to Horley at half-time.

Early in the second half, on 48 minutes, Kendall nearly scored again, but his shot rattled the crossbar. On the hour mark, we broke into the box, only for a Horley defender to make a crucial last-ditch tackle and deny us a shot on goal. Moments later, skipper Adam Green fired over the bar.

On 50 minutes, Carl Oblitey replaced Ali Fofahan up front. As we pushed forward, Luke Miller was substituted for Sean Michael Anderson on 71 minutes. Then, on 80 minutes, Conrad Essilifie-Conduah replaced Niall Stillwell, before Jason Bloor came on for Craig Dundas in the 87th minute.

Despite continuing to push forward, the Salts were unable to break down Horley Town’s resolute defence, leaving the final score at 2–0.

We now turn our focus to this Saturday’s Non-League Day, as we host Balham FC at home—kick-off at 3pm. We look forward to your support!