Scunthorpe United Faces FA Trophy 5th Round Challenge

Horsham achieved an impressive victory over Scunthorpe United in the FA Trophy 5th Round, held at the Attis Arena. The match was notable as it marked a significant challenge against a full-time professional team in Scunthorpe United. The Iron initially took the lead, but Horsham quickly responded, showcasing their resilience and skill.

Match Overview

Scunthorpe United scored first in the 11th minute when Declan Howe finished from a well-coordinated three-man passing move. However, the Hornets equalized in the 20th minute through Reece Meekums, who tapped in from close range following a clever pass from Lucas Rodrigues. Ten minutes later, Jake Elliott gave Horsham the lead with a diving header, making the score 2-1 going into halftime.

Key Moments

• Early Lead: Declan Howe scored for Scunthorpe in the 11th minute.
• Equalizer: Reece Meekums struck back for Horsham in the 20th minute.
• Winning Goal: Jake Elliott’s diving header in the 30th minute secured the lead for Horsham.

Team Changes and Strategy

Horsham’s manager, Dom Di Paola, made two notable changes to the team that faced Chelmsford the previous week. Rhys Murphy and Lucas Rodrigues were introduced in place of the injured Charlie Hester-Cook and Lee Harding. The tactical adjustments allowed Horsham to control the pace of the game and maximize the width of the pitch.

Defensive Standout

Despite facing increased pressure from Scunthorpe in the final ten minutes, Horsham’s defense, including goalkeeper Lewis Carey, held firm under pressure. Key defensive plays by Jack Strange and others ensured that the Hornets preserved their lead and progressed in the tournament.

Upcoming Quarter-Finals

This victory not only highlights Horsham’s capabilities but also places them among the final eight teams in the FA Trophy. The other teams joining them include Southport, Southend United, Marine, Yeovil Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Wealdstone, and Woking.

The quarter-final draw is scheduled for Monday at 3:15 PM on talkSPORT2, with the matches taking place on Saturday, February 28. This will mark another significant chapter in Horsham’s ongoing cup journey, adding to their impressive track record in recent seasons.