After a well earned week's rest both Academy sides were in action. The 1st XI's kick off was moved forward to an 11am kick off so that the Sky Cameras could be at Sussex County HQ, Lancing FC to see the 2nd XI take on Hazelwick School of Crawley in the 2nd XI County Cup Final.
As the season draws to a close all players are starting to feel the strain, which is totally understandable, but credit to all Academy players they are digging in and still looking to play football the right way, which is free flowing passing football that is attractive on the eye. The 1st XI wanted to avenge their early season defeat to Central Sussex and took to the "Home of Football" Worthing United with confidence after their previous 4 game unbeaten run. However Central Sussex were there to spoil the party with at times ugly, yet effective football and with this raced into a two goal lead, which were both down to defensive lapses. 2-0 was the score at half time.
With Worthing looking predictable lethargic in the first half they needed to come out with a spring in their step and spring they did! Worthing were first to everything and were now totally outclassing the Central Sussex midfield with their manager getting more and more irate with every passing minute. Worthing's dominance paid off midway through the second half with a sublime diag from Ali Giammattei finding substitute Chris Churchill, who buried his shot under the advancing goalkeeper. 2-1.
Whilst Worthing were on top they still needed to keep their wits about them and special mention must go to Alex Staines and Andy Heward, who defended excellently often in a two on two situation. Worthing's pressure almost paid off to gain a deserved point when Sam Mannings was adjudged to be in an offside position. Mannings finished a aplomb, but the linesman was there to spoil his moment.
Alas the game finished in favour of the visitors, however I cannot praise the players highly enough for their attitude, work rate and abilities even under extreme physical fatigue with at least half of the squad playing between 40-60 games this season, which surely needs to be looked at in the future to ensure that performance is concentrated into less games, but I admire their love for "playing the game".
Fast forward three hours, with the cameras and crowd in focus it was the turn of Danny Cullip's 2nd XI side to shine in the 2nd XI County Cup Final vs Hazelwick School of Crawley. Preparations for the final were affected slightly with the kick off being brought forward, which stopped the Academy "firm" from getting into the ground until after kick off. The players however were not affected and warmed up looking sharp and focused.
So to the first half. The pitch itself resembled a dust bowl, which definitely affected Worthing's smooth passing style, however the team took the game to their opponents creating the best opportunity of the half, with Thom Taylor's header being well saved by the visiting goalkeeper. 0-0 at the half.
For Worthing to secure their first piece of silverware since Dave Hall's first full year in charge (2007) the players needed to take the game to their opponents with a quicker tempo and possibly a more direct approach. However it was the Crawley based team who began the half sharper and goalkeeper Kieron Gillard, who had been a virtual spectator in the first half was beginning to see more of the ball.
Injuries and nerves were beginning to creep into the Worthing squad with Jack Buchanan being replaced by Paul Jackson and with this reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. This in theory should have put Worthing back into ascendency, but this was quite far from the truth. Step forward Kieron Gillard. The Worthing stopper had to deny Hazelwick twice and with this the game certainly turned. The first save was excellent with his legs after seeming to be wrong footed. However the second was right out of the top drawer. A full stretch save to stop a bullet of a strike finding its way into the top corner, which I had certainly thought was hitting nothing but net.
This seemed to wake up Worthing and the introduction of Andy Herrington to replace the injured Nick Colwell freed up Matt Dodd into his natural central midfield role and with this Worthing broke up the other end and with the pace of front men Paul Jackson and Phil Charman they began to trouble the opposing defenders. Now for the match winner, step forward "sick note" Paul Jackson, who was wrapped up in cotton wool for this game. Charman freed himself down the right, took on the full back and played the ball into the area. Jackson attempted a Cruyff turn, which did its job and beat his defender. As the turn was not clean it fell between Jackson and the goalkeeper, with Jackson reacting the quicker to poke the ball into the corner. 1-0. One that will not trouble the "goal of the month" panel on match of the day, but was extremely important in this tie.
As time wore on nerves were beginning to jangle and a scrappy affair became even scrappier, however as the final whistle blew all the hard work had paid off with Worthing being crowned County Champions at 2nd XI level!
Even though the game was not one for the neutral, the result is what matters and Worthing were deserving of this. I cannot stress enough how proud Danny and myself are of both teams and we are delighted that all your hard work has bared fruit in terms of both National and now County wide recognition.
Onwards and Upwards,
Hallsy
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