Horsham labelled '˜killjoys' but ground rules have always been in place

The fire has been stoked ahead of the crunch top-of-the-table clash in the Premier Division, but it will fall short of the drum being banged... quite literally.

Town fans have hit out over the fact they will not be able to bring their usual musical instruments and pyrotechnics to the fixture.

Horsham officials wrote to their opponents stating that under the terms of their groundshare, no musical instruments, drums, air horns, whistles, fireworks, smoke bombs, flares or dangerous objects are allowed into the ground - a condition that has always existed.

That has not gone down well with Town supporters, who have criticised the Hornets on social media and even their official website had a dig by posting the warning on their home page with a ‘No Fun’ image.

While Town seem to feel that this policy is a new one, it is a long-standing agreement between Horsham YMCA and the local residents, as are their 7.30pm midweek kick-offs.

Town fans look set to defy the ban and it appears they feel it has been put in place to spite them.

Lambert said: “I don’t know why they (Horsham) have done this, killjoys! I know we are taking good support to Horsham though.

“We will have a coach load going up, probably more, and if they think banning, drums, flares, and trombones will keep them quiet, then they have another thing coming.

“They create a real party atmosphere and the players love it.

“Obviously they didn’t want our lot going there and making more noise than their fans, maybe they thought it would give us an advantage, I don’t know.

“But whatever happens it’s a massive game and I know we will be well supported as we have been all season.”

Horsham boss Dominic Di Paola said: “As far as I am aware it is a ruling on the ground and we can’t do anything about it.

“From my point of view, if they were to bring them, and were allowed, it doesn’t bother me either way.

“What difference does it make to us? I think it’s a bit of a shame it is overshadowing what could be a really good game.”

Town’s supporters’ group, known as Pier Pressure, are set to defy the ban and have encouraged others to do so.

On whether they would be refused entry, a Horsham official refused to comment to the press.

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