Hallsy's Academy Report - Christmas Edition

After another week off developing their power climbs both teams were in supposedly back in action this week, however after a mid morning pitch inspection Worthing United's pitch was deemed dangerous, which led to the cancellation of the 2nd XI game against Lewisham. This means that the 2nd XI go the long term with only one defeat to their name, which is great effort and all of the Academy should be proud of this record.

A further pitch inspection at Gosport gave a more positive outcome and therefore the 1st XI made the short trip along the coast to Gosport Borough FC to play division higher Fareham in the ECFA Cup.

Conditions were "fresh" to say the least, but the pitch was wide and flat, which suits Worthing's style of play. According to Fareham's coach he had "rested" players, but in a Cup competition, surely progression into the next round is key? Anyway the game began evenly with Worthing playing more of the attractive passing football. Worthing again kept the ball well, but seemed to lack the cutting edge in the final third. The best chances of the half fell to Ben Standing, Chris Churchill and a well hit Luke Jearum 25 yarder. Meanwhile at the other end debutant James Fernandez was patrolling his troops well and came out bravely twice to deny Fareham's giant number 9.

The scores were level at half time and the general consensus was that the level of performance was good, but needed to be higher up the park. Worthing needed to ensure that missed chances were not going to haunt them as has happened all too often in the past! Again the second half was a fairly even affair with possession being kept by Worthing, but the ball just not rolling for them in the final third. Chris Churchill worked tirelessly up front and at times was isolated, but had the best chance of the game for Worthing up to that point with an overhead kick that was cleared off the line. As the game neared its final quarter Worthing needed to stay focused, however a long pass was to be their downfall and was finished by their excellent number 8. 1-0. Worthing responded to this well and went close with Sam Mannings and his deflected cross, which the Fareham goalkeeper just held onto. It seemed that straight away Worthing switched off again and in a blink of an eye were 2 down. ANOTHER long ball was not cut out, which led to the Fareham striker finishing from close range. 2-0. Tactics and attitudes had to changed and it could be argued that this is what changed the game. The returning Alex Staines came on for the hardworking Churchill and Matt Dodd replaced Jack Carey in the heart of midfield. Again Worthing pressed, but it seemed to no avail and it looked like Worthing were heading out of their second National Cup competition in as many weeks. However it took an innocuous challenge on full back Ali Giammattei to turn the game on its head. With Giammattei struggling to run off a dead leg he was pushed up front and Worthing resorted to a 4-2-4 formation. With Worthing pressing the game hard Alex Staines made a 30 yard run to close down Fareham's centre half only to clip the Fareham players ankle in the process, which led to his game coming to a premature end and leaving the hosts with 10 men. With time running out Worthing were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, which was floated in for an easy claim from the goalkeeper. However this was not so easy as while all were turning their backs the ball was dropped and it was Giammattei of all people following up to put Worthing back in the game. 2-1.

Worthing now sensed that they could force extra time and continued to press in their new attacking formation and it wasn't long until parity was restored. Good interplay led to Ben Standing running strongly and crossing for Alex Staines to bag his tenth goal of the season, which led to wild celebrations in the Fareham goal, which caused annoyance in the home dugout. 2-2. This goal ensured that an extra 30 minutes was to be played and 50p was needed to be put in the meter for the floodlights. Both teams gave their all in normal time and this showed as players were beginning to tire. Worthing looked as if they just needed to turn up to ensure the game was won, however it was ten man Fareham that went ahead for the second time with tackles missed the lively centre forward ran through to slot home. 3-2.

In the past heads would have dropped, but this side has more about themselves and have a great team spirit and this was typified in this performance. Giammattei seemed to attract the ball in dangerous areas and this was the case for his second goal, finishing cooly from 8 yards out. 3-3. Worthing again continued to press, but were keeping their shape well with players changing positions to maximise performance. Staines moved to right back and full back George Dowell into central midfield alongside the assured Jordan Clark, which pushed skipper Luke Jearum alongside Giammattei as he was tiring after the shift he had put in. This culminated in Worthing taking the lead for the first time and again it was Giammattiei, who finished exquisitely under the advancing goalkeeper to bag his hat trick. 4-3. Even though the lead was taken Fareham are not in the top league for nothing and it took an outstanding full stretch save from Fernandez to deny the Fareham number 9. This was combined with a great defensive display from the back four with Jack Boxall, moving to left back, Dodd reverting to centre half alongside Andy Heward and the constant running of Dowell. As time passed there was still time for another goal to kill off the game. An excellent run from Dowell and link up with Staines led to the ball being squared to Sam Mannings, who drove the ball hard and low into the far corner of the net. A goal which his performance thoroughly deserved. 5-3.

An awesome team performance from Worthing and one that showed much maturity and responsibility for their own performance, which shows they are all progressing in the right direction. However that ONE BALL needs to be cut out and when it is this team will surely go from strength to strength!

So after the politically correct "dark Wednesday" for the whole Academy last week I must summise that this week must be "orange Wednesday" as on this performance and others in the Academy the future "looks bright!"

A great first term for the Football Academy and long may it continue with complacency and concentration being our only enemies!

Happy Christmas and New Year to ALL!!

Hallsy