Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 13 Vol 2

After the 5-0 victory against Sussex Downs Lewes, Worthing College Football Academy 1st XI took to the field this week in the last 16 of the ESFA National Cup against Essex opposition in the form of Redbridge College. Preparation for this important match up were slightly unsettled when goalkeeper Fernandes pulled up in training, which gave a chance to the deserving Sean Butler to take the sticks. The squad was still very strong, however on the morning of departure Quirke fell ill, which meant Worthing took a strong 13 east.

Travel was comfortable and in good time to be able to prepare fully. However preparation was further thrown up in the air with Chester dropping out in the warm up. Heward slotted straight into centre half alongside Carey.

Worthing knew that this was the furthest they had come in this competition and wanted to make sure that this story was not to end "east side", so were very focused on the task at hand. However as the game began this focus seemed to add pressure and possession was given back all too easily to Redbridge, who early on looked excellent going forward. This excellence was rewarded with a couple of half chances that went wide of the Worthing goal.

As the half grew Worthing started to grow in confidence and won back possession more frequently. The conditions were wet, but the pitch was in relatively good shape, which suited Worthing's passing style. The width of the playing surface was also appreciated by the visitors, who began to use it with excellent 50-60 diagonals, especially from Boxall, Clark and Dodd, which set wingers Mottershead and O'Connor free on many occasion with only the final ball letting them down.

Jenkins (D) was also looking extremely lively up front showing intelligent running in between the centre halves and this was shown with the opening goal of the game. An excellent piece of combination play in midfield allowed Jenkins to run onto the ball and skid his strike against the post and in. 1-0.

Meanwhile the defence were communicating well and Butler was having an excellent debut in goal, doing everything that was required of him. Redbridge always looked dangerous and it was important that Worthing as a whole defended well with high concentration levels. This was achieved up to the half time whistle.

At half time the word from coach Hall was that much effort was exerted, but the next ten minutes were vital as to where to tie was going to end up as all too easily the side who were ahead at half time switch off and let the opposition back in. Fortunately the opposite was the case in the second half as Worthing dominated the first 10 minutes, which resulted in two further strikes.

The first came from the unfamiliar direct route. Butler cleared the ball forward to Jenkins (D) who superbly cushioned the ball to O'Connor who then returned the ball to Jenkins. His run and cross was met by Warner, who had made a great run from midfield. 2-0. As soon as Worthing has doubled their lead it became tripled with another accomplished finish. A through ball from McGill cut through the home defence and found Clark, who exquisitely chipped the ball over the goalkeeper from outside the penalty area with his left foot. 3-0.

At this point Worthing knew that they already had one foot in the last 8 for what surely must be the first time in their history, but they wanted more and it definitely should have been! A cleared Mottershead corner came back to the winger, who looked to help the ball back into the penalty area. This "help" was taken by the wind and looped high into the air, with the home goalkeeper scrambling the only result was surely a goal. Mottershead's joy was short lived as the linesman had put his flag up for offside and the referee agreed.

With this the game seemed to change with Worthing taking their foot off the gas and the hosts came into the game with a fresh impetus, which resulted in more chances. One of the first provided Redbridge with their first chance back into the match. Their tricky central midfielder seemed to walk past four Worthing tackles and pass the ball past the stranded Butler. 3-1.

With this onslaught Worthing needed to stay strong and for the most part they were with any mistakes made being recovered upon by the person in question or a team mate. Jenkins (L) came on for the tired looking Warner, which pushed Boxall up into central midfield. As the game drew to a close Worthing were defending superbly with Heward, Carey, Jenkins and McGill all standing their ground and playing the ball into the midfield, which provided the platform for Worthing to see the game through.

With full time came the jubilation of making it through to the last 8. Each player stood up and were counted. All were excellent technically and tactically and played the conditions much better than their technically gifted opponents. All in all a great team performance and one that the players and the College should be proud of.

With the draw being made on Monday lets hope the fans get what they want................... A HOME DRAW!!

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy