Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 1 Vol 2

A new season, a fresh start and greater expectations greeted a young Worthing College Football Academy 1st XI in the league opener against new boys Hextable. The Arundel FC pitch was in immaculate condition and would certainly suit the Worthing College philosophy of pass and move football.

Worthing saw no fewer than 12 newcomers, who were making their ECFA league debuts with only keeper Kieron Gillard, Jack Carey, Jordan Clark and Liam "Des" O'Connor from the "old guard".

Newcomers Hextable looked hungry and big in stature, however the management team of Dave Hall and Danny Cullip were confident that Worthing's technical abilities would shine through. The game began with both sides looking to gain the upper hand and it was the home team who took the initiative with the skillful Ryan Quirke jinking in and out of Hextable defenders only to see his cross blocked and cleared. Hextable were an unknown quantity at this level and took the more direct approach, but with the positioning of Jack Carey, Matt Chester, Pat Kelly and Seb Gerswind across the back four the visitors didn't create anything clear cut.

Meanwhile central striker Olly Setchell was giving as good as he got against two physical and powerful centre halves and this attitude paid off and allowed Setchell to open the scoring after latching onto a through ball and placing the ball in the bottom corner. 1-0.

Worthing were still at times a little too deep, which allowed the visitors to apply pressure, especially in set piece situations, however the towering headed clearances of Jordan Clark, Chester and Carey kept Hextable away from calling Gillard into any notable action. As the half grew on Worthing began to dominate the midfield with Clark combining well with the technically gifted pairing of Joe Warner and Jon Watkins and it was the former who doubled Worthing's lead. Again excellent work from the slippery Quirke ended in his "hospital pass/cross" being smashed into the top corner by Warner. 2-0.

At half time the message was to continue to press the visitors with the next goal crucial. Again the back four of Gerswind, Carey, Chester and Kelly kept the visitors at bay as well as looking comfortable in possession. With the game in control it was now about finishing off the game as a contest and this came as both sides began to tire. Clark received the ball and played a one two with Quirke, which provided a tap in for substitute Judah Langford. 3-0.

As fatigue began to set in Hall and Cullip began to ring the changes with Watkins, Warner and Setchell being replaced by Ross Myers, Langford and Liam "Des" O'Connor. Even with wholesale changes Worthing continued to keep the ball and play an effective passing game. The final goal was fully deserved with Quirke jinking in and out once again, but this time the glory was to be his as the ball was struck into the far corner. 4-0.

To conclude a very professional performance considering as a squad we have only been working together for just over a week. All players should be praised for their attitude and application and I sincerely hope that this continues throughout the season, which will make us competitive at both 1st XI and 2nd XI level.

A season to look forward to I think!!

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy