Horsham manager John Maggs was delighted with his side's response to their FA Cup disappointment.

The Hornets cut through Dr Martens eastern division opponents Ashford Town with clinical precision and no little style to run out 2-0 winners and only the width of a post prevented it being more.

Maggs said: "That was a polished performance. It was just what we needed to bounce back. We had the appetite and our passing was 200 per cent better.

"If we can keep on like this we will have a real chance in the league this season."

David Flemming put Horsham ahead after 28 minutes, crashing home a 12-yard volley after Eddie French had headed down from a Lee Carney corner.

James Grant was the first to hit the woodwork with a curling effort and seven minutes later it was Flemming's turn to be thwarted, his header rebounding off the right post straight into keeper John Whitehouse's arms.

The Hornets, however, would not be denied and the second goal eventually came after 74 minutes, again from a set-play. Andy Salako played a teasing ball into the penalty area from Carney's short corner and Lee Butcher met it at the far post to head home his first goal for Horsham.