Horsham v Maidstone United
Enterprise National League South
Saturday 10 October 2026
3pm kick off
Fusion Aviation Community Stadium
Despite leading the Enterprise National League South table, Maidstone are on a bit of a sticky run, having lost their last two league fixtures and been eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup in the 2nd qualifying round by lower-ranked Cray Wanderers. Their early departure from the competition left them without a fixture last Saturday, so this will be their first game in a fortnight.
For the Hornets, the match represents an opportunity to put some points on the board after a start to the season that has seen them defeated only twice in the league, but a surfeit of draws has left them with a lower points tally than manager Dom Di Paola feels they deserve.
Past matches
Maidstone’s last visit to Hop Oast came the week after Easter this year. The Stones arrived needing three points to maintain their playoff push but were left frustrated in a goalless draw that ultimately had a big bearing on them finishing outside the playoff places on goal difference. As it happens, Jamie Yila played that day for the visitors, with Leone Gravata lining up for the Hornets, since when the two have swapped places.
The opposition
Ex-Premier League player Craig Fagan stepped up to the manager’s role this season following the departure of long-serving boss George Elokobi, having been assistant manager for three seasons previously. The former Hull City forward hit the ground running, with his side surging to the top of the table on the back of a five-match winning sequence during August and early September.
However, that run ended with a 2-1 defeat at Braintree Town, a result that was repeated in their next league match, at home to Truro City, despite having led until late in the game.
Despite those two losses, the Stones still lead the table on goal difference, but so congested has the top of the standings become that only two points separate them from 8th-placed Dover Athletic.
Goals have been relatively abundant so far, with 18 from 10 matches. Ex-Tonbridge man Tom Leahy leads the way with five, while Riley Court and Ken Charles have four apiece. Gravata has chipped in with a couple, too. The side’s goal threat has been further enhanced by the recent arrival on loan of Stan Leech from Dagenham & Redbridge.
Other prominent names in the squad include captain George Fowler, who featured in the Stones’ memorable FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town in 2023-24, and vice-captain Ryan Hanson, who previously played under Fagan for Hull City Under-23s.
Form (league only)
WWWWLL. Maidstone have suffered a loss of form and the pack is closing in. Can they keep their noses in front?
Horsham latest
The Hornets will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of their FA Cup exit last Saturday, in which wasteful finishing proved costly. After taking a deserved lead in a first half that they dominated, they allowed Plymouth Parkway to remain in the game by failing to convert several clear chances and were punished when the hosts scored twice in quick succession from poorly defended corners.
The Hornets’ below-par showing in front of goal was all the more dispiriting for the fact that they had put ten past Newhaven in the Sussex Senior Cup only four days previously.
There is good news on the injury front, with Reece Meekums now back to fitness and Niall McManus having come through unscathed from his first two outings of the season. Marco Haigh will be available too, having completed his suspension. There still remains a question mark over Greg Luer, though, despite a cameo appearance off the bench on Saturday.
One interesting selection dilemma concerns the goalkeepers, with Sam Howes having served his mandatory 21 days following the concussion he suffered at Folkestone, but Michael Dike remains an option as his loan from Brighton & Hove Albion does not expire until next week.
Dom had some strong words for his players after the Parkway game and will be expecting a reaction on Saturday. With the luxury of an almost full squad to select from, the boss is looking forward to what he expects to be a tough battle against the league leaders.
“Hopefully we can shake off the cup defeat, but we’ll have to turn up and be on it. Maidstone have got a really good side this year with lots of good attacking players.
“It’ll be good to see Leone again. He was good for us last year and he’s a lovely lad.”
Form (league only)
WLDDLD. Horsham’s only two league defeats have come in their last two home games. Is the tide about to turn?
What to expect on the day
Kick-off is at 3pm and all the usual offerings will be there for everyone to enjoy. After picking up an award-winning programme (£3.50 cash at the kiosk) and a 50/50 draw ticket or two, check out the expanded range of HFC-branded goods in the club shop (where programmes can be purchased by card), and sit yourself down with a drink and something from our outstanding kitchen while you read your programme and watch Premier League football on the big screen.
Travel and ticketing information
Address:
Fusion Aviation Community Stadium, Worthing Road, Horsham, RH13 0AD
Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased in advance HERE at a discounted rate compared to on-the-day prices.
Travel information
Supporters are reminded that parking is only available at the Park & Ride (postcode RH13 0AR), and car-sharing is actively encouraged. Better still, catching the number 23 or 98 bus from town or being dropped off at the ground means not having to worry about finding a space.