Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 7 Vol 2

After a week's rest both Football Academy sides were back in action with important cup matches. The training week began well with injuries beginning to clear, however this was short lived with Matt Chester (back) and Joe Warner (ankle) adding to the long and extensive injury list. Even with this both teams went into the matches looking to build on a week's rest and a positive training week.

Coach Dave Hall handed Drew McGill a debut at right back for the 1st XI in their ESFA Third Round tie against Reigate College with Sam Mannings reverting to a more attacking role in the centre of midfield alongside Jordan Clark and Matt Dodd. With Warner's injury he dropped to the bench and he was joined by Dec Jenkins and Jack Chandler. Kieron Gillard was also on the bench as cover for the rehabilitating James Fernandes.

With Reigate being somewhat of an unknown quantity it was imperative that Worthing took the game to their visitors. The Worthing United surface was flat and would suit Worthing's passing style, however the wind was blustery and could allow Reigate to spoil Worthing attractive style of play. It was the former that occurred with Worthing taking the game to Reigate, even though the wind was in their faces. However it was a long ball that was to open the scoring. A Jack Boxall free kick was flicked on by Clark straight into the path of striker Dave Herbert, who made up for his misses in the Chichester High game by slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. 1-0.

The opposition were trying to upset Worthing's tempo by looking to "play dirty" with niggling fouls and off the ball incidents high on the agenda. To their credit the Worthing players stepped up to the plate and just carried on with playing football. This paid off as the second and third goals came relatively quickly with Ryan Quirke and Dodd being on target. 2-0, 3-0.

The next goal of the game would be crucial and Reigate looked to get on the scoresheet before half time, but Fernandes, McGill, Boxall, Jack Carey and Olly Setchell kept their opponents at bay, with some excellent and intelligent defending against the wind.

During the turn around again complacency would surely be Worthing only enemy? To their credit Reigate looked to have sorted themselves out tactically to stem the threat from Clark, Dodd and Mannings. For a time this seemed to work, but Worthing continued to be dangerous on the break with Quirke being the main culprit for missing two chances to extend the lead. The second half was not an attractive affair with play broken up with free kick after free kick and Reigate got their reward midway through the second half. The Worthing defence allowed the Reigate striker to break three tackles and then hit the ball past Fernandes into the far stanchion. 3-1.

Worthing rang the changes with Dodd retiring due to an ankle injury being replaced by Dec Jenkins for his first appearance. Jenkins caused problems straight away with his pace and direct running, however the final ball went begging. Quirke was then replaced by Jack Chandler, who slotted into the centre of midfield and did not look out of place, keeping possession effectively. The final change was enforced after an awful challenge on Setchell, he was replaced for the final minutes by Joe Warner. With the final whistle Worthing came away victorious even though the win was not pretty it was still a win with the main positive being that Worthing discipline was outstanding, which eventually ground down Reigate. All work hard and dug deep, but special mention must go to Liam "Des" O'Connor and Sam Mannings, who ended up taking three positions throughout the game and played with maturity and an excellent attitude.

The 2nd XI travelled to South Downs to continue their defence of the County Cup and came out 5-2 winners. Worthing performed well, but according to "The Stig" let their opponents "off the hook" by letting them take the lead at 1-0 and 2-1. Danny Cullip was pleased that more chances were taken than last time out, especially from an unlikely source, Iain Haggart. Haggart bagged a brace, one with his head, the other a goal mouth scramble. Other scorers on the day were Abdoulie Bah, Judah Langford & Tinashe-Shawn Chikowore.

All in all a successful day results wise for the Football Academy, however to keep this run going injuries need to be kept to a minimum along with keeping the attitude and work ethic at a hard working consistent level. With both sides in action again next week there is no rest for the wicked!!

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy