Di Paola says Horsham have toughest possible start to Ryman League return

Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola feels his side have been dealt the toughest possible start to life back in the Ryman League.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2016, 11:07 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:48 BST

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Football Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola and assistant Ian Browne 02-04-16. SR1609651 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160404-111311001Football Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola and assistant Ian Browne 02-04-16. SR1609651 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160404-111311001
Football Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola and assistant Ian Browne 02-04-16. SR1609651 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160404-111311001

Their South Division campaign begins at home to Carshalton Athletic on Saturday, August 13, before travelling to a Greenwich Borough side that Di Paola has tipped for the title, three days later.

The Hornets’ first Sussex derby follows on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29) against Lewes at home, while they host Godalming on Boxing Day and travel to Molesey on New Year’s Eve.

The campaign concludes at home to Hythe Town on April 22.

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Di Paola, although admitting he would have liked to have tried to gather pace in the first few games, is excited about testing themselves.

He said : “It’s a tough start, it’s a very tough start.

“Greenwich Borough supposedly have a big budget, so I am told. They are signing players that won the Conference a couple of years ago.

“Hythe Town were in the play-offs last year and they looked to have strengthened again and Lewes will be the strongest Sussex side out of us all.

“It could not have been a tougher start, but you have to play everyone at one stage and there are not any easy teams to play in this league.

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“It would have been nice to ease ourselves in, but it is what it is.

“Greenwich Borough away on the first Tuesday could not have been any tougher, but it makes a nice change facing different sides and testing ourselves - it’s where we want to be, there is nothing worse that beating teams 10 or 11 nil in the County League.

“They should romp this league with the players they have signed. They should have it won by Easter on paper, although it doesn’t always happen like that.”

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Related topics:HornetsSussexLewes