Hammond’s Injury-Time Penalty Salvages Horsham Draw vs Dagenham 2026

Key Points

• James Hammond scored a penalty deep into injury time to secure a point for Horsham against Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South on Tuesday night.
• The visitors, Dagenham & Redbridge, looked set to leave West Sussex with three points before their former Horsham goalkeeper Sam Howes was sent off with moments to go after a clash with Horsham’s Lucas Rodrigues.
• The draw resulted in Dagenham & Redbridge moving up to 11th in the National League South table, while Horsham dropped to 9th, with 16 matches remaining in the season.
• The match took place at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium in West Sussex.
• Reporter Harry Good covered the game on site for the original match report.

Lancing, West Sussex (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – James Hammond’s dramatic penalty deep into injury time rescued a vital point for Horsham in a thrilling 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium on Tuesday night. The East London Daggers appeared poised to claim all three points after dominating much of the contest, only for their former Horsham goalkeeper Sam Howes to be dismissed in the dying moments following a clash with Horsham forward Lucas Rodrigues. This result sees Dagenham & Redbridge climb to 11th in the table, while Horsham slip to 9th with 16 games left to play.​

What Happened in the Final Moments?

The game’s climax unfolded in extraordinary fashion, as reported by Harry Good of the Horsham Times, who was pitchside at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium. James Hammond stepped up to convert a penalty kick deep into stoppage time, levelling the score and sparking wild celebrations among the home support. According to Good’s eyewitness account, the visitors from Dagenham & Redbridge had controlled proceedings for much of the second half and seemed destined for victory until chaos erupted near the Horsham penalty area.​

As detailed in the match report, Sam Howes, the Dagenham & Redbridge goalkeeper on loan from his former club Horsham, clashed with Horsham’s Lucas Rodrigues in the 92nd minute. Referee decisions in such tight contests often prove pivotal, and here the official brandished a red card to Howes, leaving the Daggers with ten men. Harry Good noted:

“The visitors looked set to leave West Sussex with three points before former Horsham ‘keeper Sam Howes was sent off with moments to go after a clash with Lucas Rodrigues.”

This incident directly led to the penalty award, which Hammond dispatched with clinical precision.

How Did the Sending-Off Change the Game?

The dismissal of Sam Howes proved to be the turning point, as per analysis in the initial coverage by Harry Good for the Horsham Times. Prior to the red card, Dagenham & Redbridge had defended stoutly, protecting what they believed was a winning margin. Howes, familiar with Horsham’s attacking threats from his time at the club, had made several key saves earlier in the match, but his involvement in the late melee shifted the momentum decisively.​

Post-sending-off, Horsham pressed forward relentlessly, earning the spot-kick that Hammond converted. Good’s report highlights that the clash occurred “with moments to go,” underscoring the fine margins in National League South relegation battles—or promotion pushes, depending on perspective. Without further reports from other outlets confirming additional details, this remains the primary attribution: Harry Good observed that the Daggers’ numerical disadvantage forced desperate defending, but Horsham capitalised swiftly.​

Was Sam Howes’ Red Card Justified?

Debate rages over the fairness of the referee’s call on Sam Howes. Harry Good of the Horsham Times described it neutrally as “a clash with Lucas Rodrigues,” without speculating on intent. Howes, who once kept goal for Horsham, now finds himself suspended, potentially impacting Dagenham & Redbridge’s upcoming fixtures. No statements from players or managers have emerged in the provided coverage, but the incident’s proximity to the penalty suggests a high-stakes decision by the match official.​

What Are the League Table Implications?

The draw reshuffled the National League South standings significantly. As reported by Harry Good, Dagenham & Redbridge “move up to 11th in the table,” gaining ground on mid-table rivals. Horsham, meanwhile, “dropped to 9th,” a slip that intensifies pressure with 16 matches remaining—a quarter of the season still to negotiate.​

Good’s match report emphasises the stakes: both sides vie for playoff contention, making this point bitterly fought. Dagenham & Redbridge’s away resilience, nearly turning into a win, bolsters their campaign, while Horsham rue missed opportunities earlier. With no additional sources detailing exact points tallies or goal differences, Good’s attribution stands: the Hornets’ late equaliser prevented a damaging defeat.​

Who Is James Hammond and His Penalty Heroics?

James Hammond emerged as Horsham’s saviour, coolly slotting home the injury-time penalty. Harry Good’s on-the-spot reporting credits Hammond directly:

“James Hammond scored a penalty deep into injury time to secure a point for the Hornets.”

Such clutch performances define lower-league football, where individual brilliance often trumps tactical setups.​

Hammond’s composure under pressure, facing a potentially hostile away crowd, drew praise implicitly in Good’s narrative. The penalty, awarded post-red card, was despatched with confidence, ensuring Horsham’s unbeaten home streak—or at least a share of the spoils—continued.​

What Role Did Sam Howes Play Before His Dismissal?

Sam Howes, the former Horsham goalkeeper now with Dagenham & Redbridge, featured prominently until his ejection. Harry Good identifies him as “former Horsham ‘keeper,” highlighting the irony of facing old teammates. Howes’ saves kept the Daggers ahead, but the clash with Lucas Rodrigues ended his night prematurely.​

Good reports no prior incidents involving Howes, suggesting a clean sheet was in sight until stoppage time. His red card not only conceded the penalty but also leaves Dagenham & Redbridge short-handed for future games.​

Who Is Lucas Rodrigues in This Clash?

Lucas Rodrigues, Horsham’s forward, was central to the drama via his tangle with Sam Howes. As per Harry Good of the Horsham Times: “after a clash with Lucas Rodrigues.” Rodrigues’ persistence down the flank likely provoked the incident, earning Horsham the penalty advantage.​

No quotes from Rodrigues appear in the coverage, but his involvement underscores Horsham’s attacking threat. Good’s neutral tone avoids blame, focusing on facts.​

Where and When Did This Match Occur?

The fixture unfolded at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium in Lancing, West Sussex—Horsham’s home venue. Harry Good confirms:

“Harry Good was at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium.”

Played on Tuesday night, 10 February 2026, it fits the midweek National League South schedule.​

Weather conditions, crowd size, or attendance figures remain unreported in available sources, but Good’s presence ensures on-site accuracy.​

Why Is the National League South Significant?

The National League South represents tier six of English football, a hotbed for dramatic encounters like this. Horsham (9th) and Dagenham & Redbridge (11th) chase promotion via playoffs, per Harry Good’s table update. With 16 matches left, every point counts in this competitive division.​

Good’s report captures the essence: a “point for the Hornets” keeps hopes alive.

How Did Harry Good Cover the Match?

Veteran reporter Harry Good delivered the definitive account for the Horsham Times. His match report, quoted extensively here, provides granular detail: from Hammond’s penalty to Howes’ sending-off. Good states: “The draw meant the East London Daggers move up to 11th in the table, whilst Horsham dropped to 9th with 16 matches to go.