Horley Battle to a Win Over Hastings

 

Hopperational Details
Date & Venue	Saturday 5 September 2026 at The Awaking Giants New Defence
Result	Horley Town 3 Hastings United 2
Competition	Isthmian League Division One South-East (Step 4)
Hopstats	Ground #817 on the lifetime list and I am here randomly because of a particular sequence of coin-tossing events involving two monarchs and a coat of arms. Sherlock Holmes played no part in this. The video clip explains all, with three coins and no fountains.
The Randomness
Context
Horley are another side new to this level after their promotion last season through the Combined Counties Premier Division South playoffs. They got their first league win of the season last week and so sit quite low in the early tables, unlike Hastings who are the only side with four league wins out of four.
Match Report
I needed a shady spot to stand and it turns out I was well-placed to see the big moment of controversy that helped Horley to hang on to the points. Only the ref could confirm. But first, the match was largely played at the far end from me as Hastings started strongly, creating lots of early shooting chances which in turn needed bruising Horley blocks and the help of the woodwork on one occasion. The opening Horley goal after 13 minutes was against the run-of-play but very well worked after their first corner had been initially cleared. It was a really calm and neat pass for the assist which gave Deondre Date a tap-in. Celebration time, come on Horley could soon have had a second in similar fashion but the Hastings keeper Harry Haines’ legs were in the way this time, and the visitors also kept up their attacking intentions. They got their deserved equaliser just before the half-hour mark. A flick-on from a long throw gave Freddie Legg the chance to score with a low shot. The home side then impudently took the lead with another well-crafted goal. From a free-kick, their centre-back’s looping header came back off the post. Horley reacted calmly and efficiently and a neat pass gave Date the chance to roll the ball into the net for his second. I wrote in my notes that “there will be more goals in this” but I hadn’t expected another before half-time. A mix-up outside the area allowed Abdulahi Abdulazeez to pass the ball into an unguarded net and it is fair to say that Haines was not a happy man. In fact, neither of the keepers were to have a comfortable afternoon. As a passing neutral, 3-1 at half-time didn’t feel like a scoreline that reflected the run of play, but Horley’s composure and efficiency in front of goal had been very impressive. Hastings took hold of the second half and scored within five minutes. A cross from the right wasn’t cleared and Max Walsh got on the scoresheet with a header. Soon, it looked as if Horley’s day was going to fall apart as Joe Carrington was shown a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. The free-kick was defended but it led to the opportunity for a long throw. The home keeper Theo Bromley caught the ball as it curved in the breeze, but ended up in the back of the net with it. The goal was controversially disallowed. Initially I wondered whether the ball had crossed the line before being caught, and you can’t score directly from a throw-in. However my pics show that this clearly wasn’t the case, and the only other reason could be that the contact shown in the first pic was judged as a foul. My instant feeling at the time was that the goal should have stood. This was the only contact ... was that enough to be the foul? The keeper clearly touched the ball before it went over the line Hastings pressed forward with their keeper often nearly halfway up the pitch and they almost gave Horley a fourth. Fortunately the surface was hard enough to send a long shot-cum-clearance over their crossbar on first bounce. They then came agonisingly close to an equaliser with the ball squirting centimetres wide after yet another melée in the penalty area. I took several more pics that I’ve not included because frankly they all look the same. Horley were further disadvantaged when Ashley Sheppard got a second yellow card, followed by a red of course, with several minutes of stoppage time still to come. Even then the nine men forced the Hastings keeper to make a save with an attack on the break – they chose not to go into the corner. The Hastings onslaught continued, with Haines now joining the crowds in the box, but Horley held on. With hindsight, Hastings just never made the most of their numerical advantage. There are two goalkeepers in this shot So, plenty of entertainment for this passing neutral and the need for a longer-than-usual match report. It’s the unpredictability of this sport that keeps us interested, even when the planes on final approach to Gatwick are also visible in the background. Sorry about the blogpost title, by the way, but it has to be done.
So What?
Hastings hold on to top spot for now as many of the other sides in the division were involved in cup games today, or weren’t playing at all. Horley go flying up into the comfort of mid-table.
Pre-match Entertainment
Buying books and CDs from the charity shops of Horley Town centre on my leisurely walk from the station to the ground. I'd chosen Thameslink over the M25 today which at least gave me some insight into how Antigone and Achilles must have felt when faced with brutal choices.
Other Pix
I had lots of others, very similar records of the second half bombardment.
Goalkeeper Top Colour Stats Update
The background to this, and the latest keeper top colour league table, is here on this dedicated page. Today Yellow (Theo Bromley) v Green (Harry Haines). Pre-match Prediction based on Keeper Top Colour: Prediction: Away Win Was the prediction correct? No % of correct predictions so far 48% (108 from 225)
What Next?
Not sure, to be honest. @ModusHRandom on X/Twitter is probably the best way to find out. It’s the First Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup today with at least a couple of tempting games not too far away from me, one of which would be a new ground for me.

 

Turquoise Hayes Lane

Hopperational Details
Date & Venue	Friday 4 September 2026 at The Copperjax Stadium (Bromley FC)
Result	London City Lionesses 2 Manchester United Women 1
Competition	Women’s Super League
Hopstats	My second visit, nominally, to this ground in Hayes Lane which is completely transformed from my first (3 Jan 2009), when Bromley were in the Conference South. The blog hadn't started back then, so there are no photos to compare.
Context
Opening game of the WSL season, a 5400 sell-out. Lionesses are challenging the recent top order of teams with their ambitious billionaire owners, and they have recruited an impressive multinational squad for this season. Manchester United have a new manager and ambitions of their own. They were 4th, just outside the Champions’ League places, last season and London were 6th in their first season at this level. London City are the only WSL side that are not linked to a men’s side with the same name.
Match Report
This match will have been covered in detail elsewhere so I will be brief. The scoreline looks close but United’s goal was a very late consolation. London City scored early on and probably should have been further ahead at the break. Their energetic high pressing unsettled the visitors, and some of their United players were looking very disgruntled as the game wore on. The London marquee signings (Alexia Putellas, Maria Leon among others) have clearly adapted quickly to the requirements of this expanding and developing league. Even Mary Earps had to start the season on the bench against her former team. The opening goal, eventually recorded as an o.g. due to deflection The only downside for the hosts was the sight of Lucia Corrales being stretchered off in the second half. Manchester United had improved after the break but the second London goal came at the right time. It was a delightful backheel from Danielle van der Donk which I could not fully appreciate until I saw the TV replays later. On balance I think it will be good for the women’s game if this league becomes one where “anyone can beat anyone”, more like the men’s Championship than the Premier League. There has been some press coverage of the London shirt deal, which is said by the owner to be worth more than those of some men’s premier league clubs. The official name of the colour is … wait for it … hyperturq. The human race is doomed.
So What?
Too early to say really, but a definite ripple through the existing pecking order is on its way.
Pre-match Entertainment
To be honest, I avoided the fanzone and chose a good spot to stand whereupon I piled on some Duolingo points during the warm-ups. Increasingly, I'm pleased to say that I now know a French subjunctive when I see one.
Pix
I'm a chemistry teacher but pyro is pointless imo Nice second-half sky with shades of megapink and gigaviolet
Goalkeeper Top Colour Stats Update
The background to this, and the latest keeper top colour league table, is here on this dedicated page. Today Yellow (Elene Lete) v Pink (Phallon Tullis-Joyce). Pre-match Prediction based on Keeper Top Colour: Prediction: Away Win Was the prediction correct? No % of correct predictions so far 48% (108 from 224)
What Next?
Games taking place tomorrow at eight unvisited grounds, so a random selection will be made with the aid of three coins, one each from Barbados, Norway and the UK. Eight is two to the power three, you see, so with three two-sided coins there will be eight unique sequences when they are flipped. All will be documented in the next post.

 

Bourne Equality

Hopperational Details
Date & Venue	Monday 31 August 2026 at Mortgages For You Stadium, Tattershall Road
Result	Boston Town 1 Bourne Town 1
Competition	Northern Premier League Division One Midlands (Step 4)
Hopstats	Ground #817 on my lifetime list. Here rather than elsewhere with a one-in-four chance as shown in the video clip above.
The Randomness
The “castle” on the Czech 10-koruna coin turns out on further research to be the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul in Brno. The obverse is indeed a rather rampant heraldic Lion. The Irish penny coin has a Celtic harp obverse and a hen-and-chick parade on the reverse.
Context
It was only just before kickoff that I realised that my visit to Bourne Town in May 2025 was probably the last time that these clubs met. On that day, Bourne won promotion on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the playoff. Boston Town got automatic promotion from the United Counties League last season, so now both clubs have reached Step 4.
Match Report
Bourne were forced into a very early substitution and it wasn’t long before they conceded. Zak Munton’s neat curling shot into the far corner gave the keeper no chance. Boston had two more shooting chances before the Bourne equaliser. The ball fell nicely for Zac Allen after a long throw and he made no mistake. 1-1 The game now settled into a very even and end-to-end contest. Both sides created half-chances but generally defences did well. It was never a dull encounter. For a while, Bourne played the more measured on-the-floor approaches in contrast to more directness down the channels from Boston. There were no further goals before the interval. The second half provided more of the same. I made a note after about 70 minutes that Bourne were very slightly in ascendance, but with very little in it. The game continued at a good pace. Both keepers were well-protected by their defences and they did what they had to do, often looking for early release of counter-attacks. Credit to both sides for not settling for the draw. This could have gone either way in the final few stretched and frantic minutes. Probably a fair result but both sides will have recollections of half-chances that could have won all three points.
So What?
Still very early days for league tables as some clubs have played more cup games than others, or had matches postponed due to cup involvement by their opponents. Boston Town are mid-table with seven points from five games, Bourne Town are lower with four points but they have only played three league games.
Pre-match Entertainment
A walk around Boston town centre in the lunchtime sunshine. I found it somewhat ironic that a town so closely associated with migration based largely on religious affiliation should now have a number of St George flags hanging pathetically here and there around the place. None but the brave deserve the (Boston) Fair !
Pix
This ground is now in transition between Step 5 and Step 4 requirements and more work will be needed if the team stays at this level. Staff and volunteers were universally friendly and helpful, but the teacher in me would love the spelling errors to be corrected before too long! The ground has some interesting features such as the press box and has plenty of cover against the eastern England breezes. The pitch was decent enough to allow each team to play its chosen style.
Goalkeeper Top Colour Stats Update
The background to this, and the latest keeper top colour league table, is here on this dedicated page. Today, Pink (Sam Edwards) v Yellow (Will Lakin). Pre-match Prediction based on Keeper Top Colour: Prediction: Home Win Was the prediction correct? No % of correct predictions so far 48% (108 from 223)
What Next?
Probably London City Lionesses v Manchester United Women on Friday evening in Bromley, unless I try for a Herts Senior League game later today. In other news, @ModusHRandom on Twitter has been re-started and at the time of writing I have precisely one follower. I do understand, I’m increasingly niche these days!

 

 

Going to Cambridge Again

 

Hopperational Details
Date & Venue	Sunday 30 August 2026 at Grange Road (Cambridge University Rugby Union FC)
Result	Cambridge United Women 3 Dulwich Hamlet Women 2
Competition	FA Women’s National League D1 South-East, in the fourth tier of the women’s pyramid.
Hopstats	Ground #816 on my list, and I am here pragmatically due to the fairly short journey. I’ve been here several times for rugby union games but Grange Road can now enter my main groundhopping spreadsheet. As a student I lived for four years in Cripps Court of Selwyn College, the building in the background of some of my photos.
Context
It’s early in the season. Cambridge United have started with a win and a defeat, Dulwich Hamlet with two draws.
Match Report
Cambridge did most of the early pressing but with no end product. Dulwich were restricted to occasional breaks in the classic away team method. The visiting support in particular brought some noise to the occasion and I found myself googling why they have the extremely quaint cowbells. Or extremely irritating if you are sat next to a small child equipped with one, trust me on this. Most Cambridge danger came from set pieces or crosses, and Dulwich had a goal disallowed for offside. When the visiting keeper Tia Ginn had to make two saves in quick succession I noted that it was just a matter of time before Cambridge scored. What do I know? An unselfish pass gave an easy chance for Dulwich’s Leila Emmerson after the home defensive line had been broken. The home side suddenly looked rather ragged but they also missed a good headed chance for Olivia Cooke as half-time approached. They had been wasteful whereas the visitors had been particularly efficient. Offside this time Cambridge started the second half well, though. A couple of times the ball did not quite drop nicely for them in the penalty area and I noted just before the hour that they probably deserved an equaliser. It soon came with a textbook downward header from a corner, Abbie Jackson on the scoresheet from Sophie Jeffery’s delivery. They then took the lead. A misplaced Dulwich pass in midfield allowed Mollie Coupar to step in and finish calmly. Another dangerous corner curled just wide as the home side asserted themselves once more and it was Dulwich’s turn to look disorganised. It took a good save from Ginn to keep the score at 2-1 but not for long. On 82 minutes, the ball fell nicely from a corner this time and sub Cheyanna Norman scored the home side’s third Credit to Dulwich who kept going and put the result in doubt with a goal of their own after 86 minutes through Summer Roberts, and they were to have another good chance with a shot that drifted wide. The home keeper Lauren Webb, who had had a busy afternoon, had to make a good brave save after a misplaced clearance in these final tense minutes. A draw would have been fair but Cambridge held on by going to the corner flag in the last seconds. At the end of the game, I walked past my old rooms in Cripps Court and hoped that whoever is installed in them for the new term next month will embrace the traditional sports of corridor cricket and yogurt-pot football that may have taken place (depends who’s asking) on M staircase in the 1970s.
So What?
United go third in the division after three games. Hamlet are ninth (of twelve) and with two draws in their other games, are still looking for their first league win of the season.
Pix
This ground has been upgraded to an artificial surface and is currently an unusual mix of the old and new. The wooden stand with its bench seats is the kind that gets some groundhoppers excited. Cambridge in amber and black.
Goalkeeper Top Colour Stats Update
The background to this, and the latest keeper top colour league table, is here on this dedicated page. Today, I initially assigned Red from a distance as the colour for the Hamlet ‘keeper, but this turned out to be incorrect. Definitely Pink. Cambridge’s ‘keeper was in classic Green. Pre-match Prediction based on Keeper Top Colour: Prediction: Home Win Was the prediction correct? Yes % of correct predictions so far 49 (108 from 222)
What Next?
Maybe I kick my professional prep down the line for another day and head out for a Bank Holiday Monday hop. Will depend on weather and traffic. (Spoiler : I was at Boston Town, blogpost to follow.)