EP BLOW TWO-GOAL LEAD

It could, and perhaps should, have been so different after two goals in the first 20 minutes had handed EP a lead that was entirely deserved for their superior work rate and desire.

First, Lee Farrell finished a swift counter attack by rounding Horsham keeper Ian Chatfield after five minutes. Then Josh Biggs found the net with a glancing header from a perfectly delivered Chris Hibberd inswinging free kick, with only 19 minutes on the clock.

Despite the superior hunger of the home team they were indebted to two magnificent saves from Andy McCarthy to maintain their advantage. But, unfortunately for the keeper, it was his failure to gather a low cross in the 34th minute that allowed Steve Davies a tap-in and hand the less than impressive YMCA a foothold in the game.

The second half was to prove a completely different affair, with the runaway league leaders producing a steelier performance, and beginning to dominate possession.

While the game had simmered on the edge all evening, and at times threatened to spill over, it was YMCA who carved out the better chances, twice hitting the woodwork through Gary Bidwell and then Clinton Moore.

Despite YMCA's second half improvement, EP maintained an occasional threat on the counter attack, mostly through the pace of Farrell, who went close on 55 minutes after an electrifying turn of pace.

It took a wonderful strike from Ally Russell to restore parity however, as he let fly with a 25-yarder in the 77th minute that left McCarthy with no chance as it arced into the top corner.

The equaliser prompted a furious last 10 minutes, and while both sides produced moments of danger it was YMCA's James Russell who stole the show and broke the Lashmar faithful's hearts with an injury-time sidefooter after Davies' surging run.

EP are away to Eastbourne United on Saturday, then entertain Chichester in the Brighton Charity Cup second round on Tuesday (7.15pm).

EAST PRESTON: McCarthy; Hall, Appleton, Hammond, Keet; Mike Huckett, Hibberd, Matt Huckett, Axell; Biggs, Farrell. Subs: Walker (Farrell 82), Perry (Keet 86), Yelling, Couzens, Wren.