Horsham Preview (The Replay)

After a disappointing home draw on Saturday against Horsham, Boro have it all to do tomorrow night when they travel down to Worthing to face the Hornets in the FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying Replay. The reward for the winner is a trip to the Walkers Stadium and a chance to play League 1 ‘giants’ Leicester City in the next round. On Saturday, Horsham were the better of the two sides and could consider themselves unlucky not to come away with one of the shocks of the round. The Sussex side led until 10 minutes from time when Scott Laird’s shot nestled nicely into the bottom corner to give Boro an equaliser.

Steve Morison was reported to be struggling with an injury last week and was touch and go whether he was going to play on Saturday. He of course did, but didn’t look himself so there could be a doubt whether he will start at Woodside Road. I’d expect Graham Westley to recall Scott Laird to the starting 11 after a good cameo appearance last time out. That could mean Eddie Anaclet moving to right back or onto the bench with Lawrie Wilson continuing to play. Ronnie Henry could also be recalled to the starting 11 with both Mark Albrighton and Luke Oliver finding it difficult to perform consistently at the back.

Horsham manager John Maggs must of been delighted with how his team performed against Stevenage at the weekend. They didn’t fear playing at Broadhall Way and looked to attack at every opportunity. I was very impressed with their two central midfield players. They seemed to control the game and although Martin and Bostwick gave them too much space, both players utilised it well. Lee Farrell proved last season that he can score goals in the FA Cup and will be a threat again tomorrow. Sigere showed on Saturday that he still could cut playing at Conference level so our defence which has been a bit shaky will need to be on their guard.

I think it will be a very open game in what could be blustery conditions on the south coast. Boro will need to get the ball down and play some football, like they did against Burton and Altrincham earlier in the season and I’m confident that if they do that then they should win the game. If we can draw while not playing well then there’s every chance if we play to our full potential we can win the game. Now the draw has been made, it gives both teams that extra incentive to try and win the game and I think Boro will do just that and go into the Woking game at the weekend knowing that a trip to Leicester City awaits.

Prediction: Horsham 1-3 Boro