Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 5 Vol 2

After a well attended training week both Academy sides were hit by
injuries and late drop outs. The 1st XI missed Lee Mottershead (calf),
Lewis Jenkins (ankle ligaments) and his brother Dec (unavailable) whilst
the 2nd XI had Josh Butler (knee and back), Shawn Chikowore and Andy
Herrington (both unavailable) not at the disposal of coach Danny Cullip.


With these players missing the 1st XI kept with the same back four as
they started vs Woking last time out. Sam Mannings came into the
starting line up to replace Dave Herbert who dropped to the bench. The
final change saw Ryan Quirke come in for the injured Lee Mottershead.
Their opponents were local rivals Varndean. For the victor a place in
the 3rd round of the ESFA National Cup.

The game started fairly evenly with both teams looking to play and apply
pressure, however it was Worthing who seemed to have the more
territorial advantage. As the half continued chances were few and far
between with a Jack Boxall and Jordan Clark shot only chances of real
note. Worthing were fairly dominant, however they needed to be weary of
the more direct Varndean ball, one of which led to a cross shot that was
safely wide. Half time 0-0.

The tie was very much in the balance with the home side playing the
attractive football, whilst the visitors looked to "park the bus" and
break when required.
The chat at half time was based on doing the same as the previous 45,
but at a quicker tempo, yet more patient. The start of the second half
was again positive with winger Liam O'Connor getting twice to the
byline, only for his crosses to elude Mannings and Clark. Even with this
start the visitors seemed to be more open with their play and looked to
take more risks. However the back four of Boxall, Jack Carey, Dan Heward
and Olly Setchell were excellent in their positioning and solidarity.

Then came the breakthrough. Varndean tried to play the ball out the
back, only for pressure by Clark, who pounced on the ball and then slot
the ball past the desparing goalkeeper. 1-0. With the tightness of the
tie a second goal was vital and there should of been one. Matt Dodd
volleyed the ball home, but the goalkeeper was adjudged to have been
fouled. Worthing made their only change with Herbert coming on for the
tireless Mannings. He and Clark combined late in the game only for a
lunging defender to save the day for Varndean.

With time running out Worthing seemed nervy and Varndean took the
initiative and almost forced extra time, but the cross shot avaded all
and sundry. So as the whistle went Worthing booked a place in round 3,
but definitely knew they were in a game!

Meanwhile the 2nd XI headed to Lewisham and it could have been so much
better if they were not denied a second goal to make the score 3-2.
However the hosts went on to win 4-1. Coach Danny Cullip was happy with
the teams play except for a funny 20 minutes.

All in all another developmental week for the Academy, where lessons are
being learnt and I'm sure it won't be long before both sides are on the
end of the positive results they deserve.

Onwards and upwards,

Hallsy
Sent from my BlackBerry(r) wireless device