Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 10

After spending week 9 of the Academy programme in the spinning studio it was time to replace the Lycra for more traditional footballing attire. Both squads had important games for certain reasons. The 2nd XI were at Worthing United taking on Imberhorne in the County Cup Quarter Final, whilst the 1st XI had their longest away trip of the season so far, away at Newbury in the ECFA Cup Preliminary Round. Both teams went into their games full of confidence, but no one would have expected the outcomes of these games before the start of play.

The 1st XI arrived at their destination to find a pitch that all farmers would be proud of for this time of year, the grass was long and divots a plenty. However the ethos was still to pass and move the ball with pace and purpose. Worthing started the half playing into a strong wind and this affected judgement and at times the quality. However the attitude from the Worthing lads was plain to see as they raced into a 3-0 lead at half time. Chris Churchill, Alex Staines and Jack Carey were the scorers.

This half time score was exactly the same when South Downs visited earlier in the season, but this was never added to as complacency set in. In this game however the Worthing players never took their foot off the gas and continued to create chances and score more goals. In between goals being scored both post and bar were struck so it could have been more! The most pleasing site was the players dominating the game and taking responsibilty for their own play. As the score racked up this gave an opportunity for those "modern day" centre forwards to make their case! Defenders Ali Giammattei and George Dowell were moved up front alongside the impressive Ben Standing and all credit to those swapping positions as they never looked to "showboat" and disrespect the opposition. Worthing added 10 further goals in the second half to advance to the next round of this second national competition. The excellent Alex Staines completed his hat trick, skipper Luke Jearum also weighed in with 3, George "Shearer" Dowell bagged a brace, Ali Giammattei and the dominant Jordan Clark also netted, however the goal of the game (arguably) was dispatched by Andy Heward, whose 30 yard drive thundered in off the cross bar for the final goal of the game. 13-0.

A well disciplined performance from all players because at times Newbury players were being a bit naughty to say the least with their tackles and off the ball antics. This team are really developing and if they keep their consistency up who knows what may happen.

The 2nd XI have stretched their unbeaten run to 7 games thus claiming their place in the County Cup semi finals. Coach Danny Cullip felt that the lads under performed in spells, but by getting the right result shows the sign of an accomplished team. Imberhorne were brushed aside 4-1 with the goals coming from Phil Charman, Liam "Des" O'Connor, Matt Dodd and Thom Taylor. The boys have been nothing short of excellent up to this point and are now only one game away from a chance at picking up the first piece of silverware for the College since 2007.

Again a great set of results from the Football Academy, however all need to make sure that feet are firmly planted and work rate continues to ensure that our season runs later into next year, rather than being all over by Christmas!

Cheers,

Hallsy