Jimmy Ball says Torquay United will give Horsham “the utmost respect” when the two sides begin their National League South campaigns at Plainmoor on Saturday.
United took three points from the corresponding fixture last March, with Dylan Morgan and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton contributing to a 2–0 victory in front of 3,740 supporters.
Horsham had won the earlier meeting in Sussex 2–1, scoring a stoppage-time winner, and Ball is expecting another closely contested encounter.
“The first game is always a bit of a step into the unknown,” said the United manager. “I expect a really, really tough game.
“They’re well drilled and they do what they do very, very well.”
The Hornets finished 15th last season and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy, while long-serving manager Dom Di Paola has strengthened his squad with six senior summer signings.
Among the arrivals are former Sutton United forward Ashley Nadesan, powerful attacker Jamie Yila and experienced midfielder Niall McManus.
Nadesan has made more than 200 Football League appearances, while Yila scored 28 goals during two seasons with Chatham Town. McManus brings extensive experience after making 272 appearances for Dorking Wanderers.
“He’s recruited well up top,” Ball said of Di Paola. “He’s got his patterns that he plays and they play them very, very well. They’re hard to break down.
“They play good football, but they can mix it up. They have wingers who can go outside or inside and full-backs who are very, very positive.”
Ball also pointed to Horsham’s recent cup performances as evidence of the threat they pose in one-off matches.
“Their cup exploits over the last couple of seasons tell you that they can beat anyone,” he added.
“They will be treated with the utmost respect and they will be given absolutely our best.”
