OPPOSITION FOCUS | Horsham (A)

The Key Info:

Founded: 1881

Nickname: The Hornets

Manager: Dominic di Paola

Stadium: Fusion Aviation Community Stadium

Capacity: Approx. 3,000

The History

Horsham FC are one of the oldest football clubs in the South of England, with roots going back to the 19th century and formal establishment in 1881. For much of their early history they played in regional and county leagues in West Sussex.

In recent seasons Horsham have enjoyed a remarkable rise up the non-league pyramid. The pinnacle of that progress came in the 2024/25 season, when Horsham clinched the Isthmian League Premier Division title on the final day, in dramatic fashion they were crowned champions by having one goal superior in goal difference

over Billericay Town! To cap off a wonderful season they also won the Sussex Senior Cup for the second season in a row. This season are in the National League South for the very first time in their history and are staking their claim in the league, currently sitting in twelfth position.

Manager: Dominic di Paola

Dominic di Paola has been in charge of Horsham since 2015, overseeing a period of sustained growth and success. He guided the Hornets from lower regional leagues into the upper tiers of non-league football, achieving multiple promotions and cup runs along the way. He is a mainstay in Horsham’s rise throughout the leagues with over 10 years of service to the club.

Captain: Jack Brivio

Club captain Jack Brivio leads the Hornets on and off the pitch. A long-serving performer, being at the club since September 2018, Brivio’s leadership has been central to Horsham’s recent success. He is a midfielder by trade, but has often been deployed as a centre back over recent seasons, but regardless of where he plays he leads the team with confidence.

LAST FIVE:

🔴 (A) LOSS 2-1 vs Enfield Town – Tuesday 17 Feb 2026 - NLS

🟡 (A) DRAW 0-0 vs Slough Town – Saturday 14 Feb 2026 - NLS

🟡 (H) DRAW 1-1 vs Dagenham and Redbridge – Tuesday 10 February 2026 – NLS

🟢 (A) WIN 1-2 vs Scunthorpe – Saturday 31 January 2026 – FA Trophy

🔴 (H) LOSS 2-3 vs Chelmsford – Saturday 24 January 2026 – NLS

One's to watch:

James Hammond — Midfielder

Hammond is vice-captain for Horsham and is currently their top goalscorer this season with 10, playing in the heart of the midfield you will see him everywhere due to his tenacity, as well as being a dead-ball specialist he will need to be watched carefully.

Rhys Murphy — Forward

Murphy joined Horsham ahead of the 2025/26 season and has made an impact in both league and cup matches for the club, a highlight of the season was scoring 2 goals against Leatherhead in a 3-2 victory, helping Horsham to progress to the 5th round of the FA Trophy for the first time in the club’s history.