After the excitement and drama of last season’s run to the semi-final, United produced a disappointing display against a hardworking and industrious side who deserved their victory.
United were forced into one change coming into the contest as Jason Taylor failed to recover from a hamstring injury suffered last week at Broadbridge Heath, with Andy Corrigan his replacement.
The early signs were promising for United as a high tempo opening twenty minutes saw Wes Tate and Capon threaten the visiting defence, but soon after, United found themselves behind.
A teasing in swinging corner from the left found Ryan Brackpool, who beat Russ Tanner to the ball and headed in to an empty net.
The next ten minutes saw the game become scrappy, with neither side taking control and wasting possession.
Dean Stevens forced Horley ‘keeper Ian Chatfield into a low stop with a rasping drive following a game of head tennis in the centre of the park, while Tanner has got down quickly to deny the lively Ashley Nadesan, while Ayden Richards fired wide for the visitors when well placed.
Horley gave United an early scare at the start of the second half when Richards ghosted in behind the home defence, but could only poke his effort wide.
With five minutes of the second period played, Horley extended their lead as Nadesan was left in acres of space and proceeded to slot a low effort across the despairing Tanner.
United huffed and puffed, but couldn’t generate any clear cut opportunities, with Lucas Mann warming the palms of Chatfield, while Tate and Joe Summerbell both fired wide from the edge of the area.
Deep into the fifth minute of injury time at the end of the second half, United were handed a route back into the game after a handball inside the area.
Wes Tate stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to give United a glimmer of hope.
That glimmer was soon extinguished as Horley substitute Richard Wetton found the back of the net at the second attempt after his initial attempt was saved by Tanner, and Horley celebrated advancing to the Third Round for the first time in their history