Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 4 Vol 2

After a couple of intense training sessions both Football squads were looking for wins to add to their efforts in training. Preparation was hampered though by a number of injuries and unavailabilities, which decimated the squad from 36 strong to 24 holding on! However there was some light at the end of the tunnel for both teams to ensure the benches were filled and therefore needed if called upon.

The 1st XI headed towards fellow league leaders Woking with the news that Lewis Jenkins was only fit enough for the bench and 2nd XI starter Jon Watkins also came along to “do a job” if need be. With the late fitness tests of Ryan Quirke (Failed) and Dan Heward (Passed) coach Dave Hall took his option C of starting line ups, which moved top scorer Olly Setchell to Right Back, Jack Boxall to Left Back and this allowed the returning Dave Herbert to take his place in the central striking role.

The word before the game was that this was to be the biggest test of the season so far and it would gauge how far this team had come in four weeks of training and matches. With a cautious warm up Worthing started the brighter and got the ball moving at pace on the slick and luscious surface that Woking had to offer. It wasn’t long before the chances were being carved out with Herbert being the main culprit on more than one occasion. With this early domination it only looked like one team were going to score first, however Football has a habit being cruel at times and this was evident when Woking took the lead. Kieron Gillard’s distribution had been excellent both out of hand and on the floor, however a scuffed clearance was pounced upon by the Woking striker, who found his partner and slotted the ball under Gillard. 0-1.

With this cruel blow Worthing needed to keep their cool and continue what they were doing, which was passing, moving and switching play. Chances again came Worthing’s way with Herbert, Jordan Clark and Joe Warner all having chances to get their names on the scoresheet. Then came the well deserved equaliser. A Herbert run down the right put himself through on goal. His scooped finish was well cleared off the line only for the ball to loop up for Lee Mottershead to head in his first goal at Academy level. 1-1.

With this Worthing stepped up a gear (if that was possible!) with three quick goals coming to no reply. All three were scored by that man Herbert, with one coming from a Jordan Clark flick on, another coming from an excellent piece of thinking by Clark when taking a free kick quickly and another a fine finish across the Woking keeper and skidding off the wet turf. 4-1. That is how it stayed until the half. Apart from conceding the goal the performance was up in the top three of all time at the Academy in terms of intensity and skill. It was a joy to watch.

At half time Worthing knew that they needed to continue the pressure on their fellow league challengers to ensure that the game was won. Worthing couldn’t have started better this time it was Joe Warner, who got on scoresheet. A thoroughly deserved goal based on his high energy, tough tackling performance. Warner volleyed in after the Woking keeper could only parry a Liam O’Connor cross. 5-1.

To their credit Woking did try and come back at the visitors, however Boxall, Setchell, Heward and Jack Carey stood firm and shut the door on any Woking attacks. It was only a matter of time before the next goal came. This time it was Herbert again, who slotted the ball into the far right corner after Worthing had “nicked” the ball high. 6-1. In all honesty it could really have been a cricket score with Clark, Warner, Herbert & substitute Ryan Quirke all having chances to increase Worthing’s lead. The final goal of the game came from Warner, who with a couple of minutes remaining powered though the home defense, used the “crying” Quirke as a decoy and rounded the goalkeeper. 7-1.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI travelled to North London to take on newcomers St Thomas More in an ECFA League Match. After lasts weeks excellent performance against Watford the boys knew that if they put in the effort and intensity into their game the result would definitely come. Coach Danny Cullip made a couple of changes to the team, who were so unfortunate the week before. Full backs Harry Metters and Pat Kelly switched flanks, Judah Langford came into the side to replace the injured Jon Watkins on the right wing. Cullip was full of praise for his players after the performance, which saw goals from Dom Stannard and Abdoulie Bah secure a 2-1 win. Again the attitude was first class, with the only negative being that it should have been a more comfortable victory, with many chances squandered.

All in all a very successful week results wise for the Football Academy. This is down to the players attitude and work rate both in training and in games, which has led to the players playing neat attractive football, which is now becoming even more effective. Hopefully both teams will continue to kick on from these positive results and have a successful season. Well done to all involved.

Next week sees the 1st XI having a week off, but the 2nd XI start their defence of the County Cup, which has seen them drawn at home to Sir Robert Woodard Academy. Kick off is 3.30pm and the venue is Worthing United FC. It would be great to see you down supporting Danny and the lads!

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy