Horsham manager Di Paola pleased with bank holiday performances
The Hornets registered their first Isthmian Premier win of the season on Saturday, beating Merstham 3-0 at home on Saturday.
Horsham dominated the first half but had to wait until four minutes before the break to go ahead, Tom Kavanagh netting from the penalty spot.
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Hide AdJack Brivio powered a home a header on 70 minutes to make it 2-0 before substitute Shamir Fenelon poked home in second half stoppage time to seal the win.
Bank holiday Monday saw the Hornets play out a goalless draw at fierce Sussex rivals Lewes.
Horsham had a hatful of chances but were let down by wayward finishing.
The second half saw Hornet stopper Sam Howes pull off two excellent saves to deny the Rooks.
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Hide AdOn the Merstham game, Di Poala said: “I thought we were really solid and we played really well. There were no complaints really.
"I thought we were really professional. We probably could have had a couple more goals.
"It took a little while to get going, but in the second half I thought we were really dominant and played some really good football.”
Speaking on Monday’s derby game at Lewes, Di Paola added: “A point is fair in the sense that if you don’t take chances you don’t win games of football.
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Hide Ad“In terms of our performance levels, apart from five minutes in the first half and 15 minutes in the second, I thought we were perhaps the stronger side.
“Although we didn’t work the keeper in the way that we should have done, we had a lot of chances that we didn’t capitalise on.
“I thought it was a really good performance, and I think apart from the first half against Hornchurch we’ve been good.”
Next up for Horsham is an FA Cup first qualifying round game at Haywards Heath Town on Saturday.
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Hide AdDi Paola said: “They’re a good side. They’ve got players playing below themselves in terms of players that should be playing higher.
“It’s away and it’ll be a good test. I just can’t wait to play at the moment.
“I think the boys are beginning to gel as a group and it’s good being around that.”