Wakering's hopes of taking over the Ryman League Second Division leadership crashed last night when they became the latest victims of Horsham's superb home record.

The Sussex side have now won 13 and drawn three of their 16 home League games so far and are the new top dogs -- three points clear of Lewes with two games in hand.

Wakering stay in third place, but realistically that might be as high as they go as they are five points behind Horsham now from two games extra.

Rovers were again weakened due to a heavy injury-list in front of a 210-strong crowd, but might have drawn first blood but for a brave dive at the feet of visiting skipper Danny Scopes by home goalkeeper Ian Chatfield.

That proved to be the signal for Horsham to take over. Fatal hesitation by Dave Hudson in the visiting goal allowed Gary Charman in to score the 12th minute opener and the same player netted the second eight minutes later with a low bobbling effort which went over the despairing custodian.

Hudson, however, was a real hero after the break. He saved Wakering from a real rout and an overall corner count of nine-one in the home side's favour gives a fair indication of their domination as they stormed to the top of the table.

Hudson produced impeccable handling of a slippery ball in constant rain. He made a couple of superb saves -- one from a 30-yard free-kick and then diving full length to turn an effort wide.

However, he was powerless to stop Horsham grabbing a third after 61 minutes when a clever flick from Dave Flemming following a corner allowed Jamie Taylor through to shoot home.

Alan Hull's travellers return home on Saturday, when Tilbury visit, but added to their considerable injury problems here with Gary Howard, Dan Trenkel and Darren Twidell all picking up knocks.

Published Wednesday, March 13, 2002