Horsham Football Club is gearing up to host Hashtag United at the Camping World Community Stadium this Saturday, marking the first-ever encounter between the two clubs. While many clubs in the 7th tier of English football boast long and storied histories, Hashtag United is a unique exception. Established in 2016, the club has swiftly risen through the ranks, carving out a niche as a ‘One-of-a-kind Football and E-Sports Club’ with a strong online presence. Their remarkable journey can be explored in detail on their website at https://hashtagunited.co.uk.
On the field, Hashtag United’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially known for playing exhibition matches, the club successfully applied to join the National League System and made their debut in the Eastern Senior League Division 1 (South) during the 2018-19 season, clinching the title in their first attempt.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-affected seasons, Hashtag United’s exceptional performance earned them promotion to the Isthmian Division 1 North for the 2021-22 campaign based on their points per game over the two years. Their impressive 8th place finish demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level, and they further solidified their position by securing the championship in 2022-23, achieving a remarkable 21-game winning streak at one point.
The club’s form in the current season has been steady, with seven draws and an equal split of wins and losses in their 13 matches. However, they have faced setbacks in their recent matches, suffering two consecutive defeats.
In the pursuit of success at a new level, the presence of experienced players is invaluable. Notably, Greg Halford, a seasoned player with stints at Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, and Sunderland, has already showcased his prowess at Hashtag United, netting three goals and sharing the top scorer position with Alfie Cue and Misha Djamaili. Additionally, Nathan Smith, a Jamaican international with over 250 appearances for Yeovil Town in the EFL, brings a wealth of professional experience to the team, with both players collectively amassing nearly 800 professional games.
As for Horsham, the upcoming match against Hashtag United marks their first home league fixture since September 23rd, following a series of away matches in the league, FA Cup, FA Trophy, and Sussex Senior Cup. Notably, the Hornets delivered a stellar performance in the Senior Cup, securing a resounding 6-0 victory against Chichester City, highlighted by Charlie Hester-Cook’s first career hat-trick. This triumph extends their impressive run of form, with just one defeat in 16 matches, instilling high hopes for a strong showing in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Anticipating a large turnout, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at https://www.horshamfc.co.uk/tickets/ to alleviate congestion at the turnstiles. Ticket prices are set at £13 for adults, £8 for over-65s, under-18s, and students, and £2 for under-16s, with free admission for children under 5.
Convenient transportation options include frequent buses from the town centre (route numbers 23 and 98 stop directly outside the ground) and parking availability at the Park & Ride. To reduce congestion, supporters are urged to car-share or consider being dropped off if feasible.
In addition to the on-field excitement, fans can look forward to pre-match entertainment featuring Wolves v Spurs in the clubhouse, followed by live music with Paul Stanworth after the final whistle. Furthermore, the delectable offerings at Kev’s Kitchen promise a delightful culinary experience.
With an enticing blend of football, entertainment, and hospitality, the upcoming match between Horsham and Hashtag United presents an unmissable opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in an unforgettable sporting spectacle. Where else would you rather be?