Hornets and Chats deliver lots of late drama, the Hawks are the victims of Cannons revenge, whilst Hastings are victorious in Folkestone

Horsham, courtesy of their 3G surface, were the hosts of the only Pitching In Isthmian Premier match to survive the weather last night- and it was a match which saw the Hornets dent Chatham Town’s title hopes with an equaliser in the ninety seventh minute.

The Chats were hoping to reduce the nine point gap between themselves and leaders Hornchurch, and they went ahead on the half hour, Reece Butler firing home a cross from Eddie Allsopp. It was a lead they held until twenty minutes from time, when the hosts, supported by the majority of the five hundred and sixty watching on, drew level- James Hammond sending a thirty yard free kick into the net despite the best efforts of Ben Bridle Card in the visitors goal.

We reached the ninety minute mark with the sides seemingly having to settle for a point each, and then we had enough drama for an entire match in seven minutes. First, a Chatham corner found Simon Cooper, who headed home, seemingly clinching victory- only he hadn’t. Up the other end, a cross from Jack Brivio struck the hand of Chatham’s Alex Brefo- and the referee did two things. First, he pointed to the spot. Second, he brandished a second yellow card, and Brefo, who had just returned from a suspension after a red card at Canvey on November 28th, saw red once more.

Up stepped Hammond, and the Hornets had the point that their endeavours deserved- whilst over in East London, Hornchurch supporters who had become honorary Hornets for an evening were delighted by the fact that their side is eight points clear, having played three matches fewer than second place Chatham.

Image from John Lines- more here.

Another Sussex side, Whitehawk, travelled to the Kent coast for a Pitching In Isthmian FA Trophy ‘derby’, as they took on Hythe Town. The last time the two sides had met was in the South East Play Off Final at the end of last season, the Hawks delivering a narrow triumph, so this was a chance for the Cannons to take revenge- and how they took it, slaying that ‘giant’ in a five goal thriller.

Hythe went ahead just before the half hour mark, Aaron Barnes making the breakthrough- and it was a lead they doubled just before the hour, Jake Embery knocking home after Lex Allen headed on a long throw.

As we moved into the last ten minutes, the Hawks finally found their shooting boots. Substitute Josh Nandrha, who had only been on the field for four minutes, pulled a goal back- but the visitors hopes were quickly dashed as Brad Schafer restored the hosts two goal cushion.

With three minutes to go Charlie Walker gave Whitehawk hope once more, but it turned out to be forlorn hope. Congratulations to the Cannons, who will welcome National League North side Chorley in the next round- and have now delivered two giant killings in a row.

In the Velocity Cup, Folkestone Invicta- who hadn’t managed a match since November 25th- looked to give new boss Andy Drury his first win as they welcomed Hastings United. Sadly for the Stripes, their visitors had other ideas. The opening goal arrived eight minutes before the break, Davide Rodari with his thirteenth of the campaign- and Hastings ensured their victory when Jamal Lubanga made it two-nil twelve minutes from time.

Invicta won’t have to wait long for their chance at revenge, as they meet again in the League on Boxing Day.

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