Eight friendlies in place as Hornets’ relegation confirmed

The expected drop to Step 5 of the National League System was confirmed last week at the meeting of the FA Leagues Committee.

Despite murmurings of the Hornets finding themselves in the Combined Counties League next season, they have been placed in manager Dominic Di Paola’s favoured league - formally known as the Sussex County Football League.

The new boss, who was installed during the final games of last season, has moved quickly to install a pre-season programme for what promises to be a new-look side.

Twice-a-week training sessions will take place from June 25, with their first of a seven-match friendly campaign commencing on July 11 against newly-promoted Ryman League side Phoenix Sports (at Thamesmead Town).

The following Tuesday, Hornets travel to Oakwood before a visit to Worthing for a triangular tournament with Burgess Hill on the Saturday.

On Tuesday, July 21, Horsham face a Haywards Heath side with big plans under new manager Shaun Saunders.

Horsham travel to Petersfield United at Love Lane for the first time since 1992 on the Saturday, followed by a match Three Bridges on the Tuesday and Holmesdale the following Saturday.

The pre-season schedule will conclude to County League runners-up Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday, August 4, five days before the start of the new season.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!