WORTHING 2 PETER SYMMONS 5
SCORER--- JAMES COOKE X 2
M.O.M. THE WHOLE TEAM
LOSING IS NOT THE THE END OF THE WORLD, IT IS OFTEN THE MANNER IN WHICH YOU LOSE WHICH IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT, AND THE ATTITUDE DETERMINATION TO WIN WITH ONLY THE BARE 11 PLAYERS FROM THE WORTHING TEAM WAS FANTASTIC!
LET ME PUT YOU IN THE PICTURE, WE PLAYED SYMMONS IN OCTOBER AND GOT THRASHED 7-1 WITH A FULL SQUAD AND WERE NEVER IN THE GAME AT ALL, WE WERE JUST CHASING THE BALL AND WERE SECOND BEST ON THE DAY. TODAY WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WE MATCHED SYMMONS IN ALL QUARTERS AND EVEN WITH THEIR 5 SUBS THEY COULD ONLY MANAGE TO HOLD US TO 1-1 AT HALF TIME, WE HAD CREATED MORE SHORT-CORNERS AND SCORING OPPOTUNITIES THAN THEM, HITTING THE POST TWICE AND HAVING THREE SAVED OFF THE LINE. IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS AND CHASING A 3-2 DEFICIT WE CONCEDED TWO LATE GOALS, DISAPPOINTING, BUT IS IN THE MANNER THAT WE LOST THAT I WAS REALLY PLEASED WITH.
WELL DONE GUYS FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND GREAT DISCIPLINE!
ROB WARNER
Friday 11 February 2011
A Word from the Zak!! - Women's Football Academy Round Up
Hartpury’s 3 and a half hour journey was made even longer when halfway Worthing received a phone call asking if they had a spare kit for the visitors as someone had manage to pick up the wrong kit back leaving Hartpury with no kit. Worthing could provide 14 shirts but did not have shorts or socks meaning the Hartpury bus had to divert to sports direct.
This in mind, the opposition turned up only 20 minutes before kick-off but were still ready to go on time. Worthing settled straight in to the game, with Hartpury struggling to come to grips with the sheer size of the pitch. Worthing moved the ball neatly from side to side waiting to penetrate and using the full width of the pitch. Worthing broke the deadlock not long after starting with a cross shot from the right hand side being pounced on my Amy Potkins who only needed one touch to neatly finish into the top corner from the edge of the area. 1-0.
Worthing were now into their rhythm and doubled their lead when Lucy Somes was played through and calmly moved the ball onto her right foot before slotting the ball passed the keeper. 2-0. Worthing were making Hartpury work very hard off the ball and were almost faultless at the back with Lauren Binfield not having to make a save in the first half.
Worthing were gifted their third goal which pretty much killed off Hartpury with only 30 minutes played. Naomi Robinson’s speculative effort from 25 yards was kindly dropped into the net by the stand in Hartpury keeper. This was the start to a good day for Robinson who was recently chosen to go to the England Colleges Training Camp. 3-0. Worthing finished off the half with a fourth again from the Worthing right winger. Robinson jinked passed a winger before striking goal wards the keepers parry fell straight back to the feet of Robinson who passed the ball into the net. 4-0.
The word at half time was to not let Hartpury off the hook and to not take our foot off the pedal. A Binfield clean sheet was on the agenda of things to keep hold of. But in typical Worthing fashion this is exactly what they did, only 5 minutes into the second half a straight long ball over the top of the defence was all that was needed to get the Hartpury striker in on goal and she put the ball passed Binfield and gave Hartpury a lease of life. 4-1.
Worthing were still comfortably in control of the game and conceding just woke them up again as they started to ease off. Worthing had put together some well-crafted attacks with Sophie Frost at the centre of almost all of them and again neat football saw Somes put through only to be chopped down by the full back who had got on the wrong side. At exactly the same end and ground that Robinson missed her last penalty, she passed up the opportunity for a hat-trick to let Danni Lane step up, she comfortably slotted the ball home and Worthing were back in the ascendency. 5-1.
The Worthing manager then decided to rest players; Lane who is just back from a shoulder injury was replaced by Chloe Lamley, and Somes who had a game for Brighton that evening was replaced by Stacey-Leigh Johnson with Meg Cave moving into midfield. With this re-shuffle came a bit of confusion at the back at times with Fleur Charman and Johnson not quite on the same wave length, and the Worthing midfield became a bit lazy but they were still in control.
The spectators were then treated to what can easily be described as one of the best goals this season and a fine way to top off a hat-trick. Robinson who had been moved to the left hand side when Chloe Debaes had gone off early in the game, picked the ball up by the halfway line and travelled infield as well as forward, from 30 yards she hit and absolute screamer which curled away from the goalkeeper and in to the far top corner. 6-1.
The scoring was completed when Jemma Kendall put Robinson through on goal who smashed the ball into the back of the net to celebrate her 4th goal of the game. 7-1. Worthing then had to defend quite a bit for the last 15 minutes of the game but by this time were happy with the performance and result which got them back on track in the ECFA league after not playing in that league for quite a while due to cup games.
Worthing were really impressive in this game and have started to up their standards in the last couple of games after a bit of a dry patch. Worthing face Priory next week in a must win match in the ECFA league to start to secure second place behind an impressive Filton side, who Worthing face on the 9th march in the greatly anticipated national semi-final.
Player of the Match – Naomi Robinson, it would seem harsh not to give it to the winger who ended the game with four of Worthing’s seven goals. She worked tirelessly and this week was rewarded for her efforts. If she can keep up this form then she will be a danger to any team, especially whilst scoring goals like her third today.
Zaki
This in mind, the opposition turned up only 20 minutes before kick-off but were still ready to go on time. Worthing settled straight in to the game, with Hartpury struggling to come to grips with the sheer size of the pitch. Worthing moved the ball neatly from side to side waiting to penetrate and using the full width of the pitch. Worthing broke the deadlock not long after starting with a cross shot from the right hand side being pounced on my Amy Potkins who only needed one touch to neatly finish into the top corner from the edge of the area. 1-0.
Worthing were now into their rhythm and doubled their lead when Lucy Somes was played through and calmly moved the ball onto her right foot before slotting the ball passed the keeper. 2-0. Worthing were making Hartpury work very hard off the ball and were almost faultless at the back with Lauren Binfield not having to make a save in the first half.
Worthing were gifted their third goal which pretty much killed off Hartpury with only 30 minutes played. Naomi Robinson’s speculative effort from 25 yards was kindly dropped into the net by the stand in Hartpury keeper. This was the start to a good day for Robinson who was recently chosen to go to the England Colleges Training Camp. 3-0. Worthing finished off the half with a fourth again from the Worthing right winger. Robinson jinked passed a winger before striking goal wards the keepers parry fell straight back to the feet of Robinson who passed the ball into the net. 4-0.
The word at half time was to not let Hartpury off the hook and to not take our foot off the pedal. A Binfield clean sheet was on the agenda of things to keep hold of. But in typical Worthing fashion this is exactly what they did, only 5 minutes into the second half a straight long ball over the top of the defence was all that was needed to get the Hartpury striker in on goal and she put the ball passed Binfield and gave Hartpury a lease of life. 4-1.
Worthing were still comfortably in control of the game and conceding just woke them up again as they started to ease off. Worthing had put together some well-crafted attacks with Sophie Frost at the centre of almost all of them and again neat football saw Somes put through only to be chopped down by the full back who had got on the wrong side. At exactly the same end and ground that Robinson missed her last penalty, she passed up the opportunity for a hat-trick to let Danni Lane step up, she comfortably slotted the ball home and Worthing were back in the ascendency. 5-1.
The Worthing manager then decided to rest players; Lane who is just back from a shoulder injury was replaced by Chloe Lamley, and Somes who had a game for Brighton that evening was replaced by Stacey-Leigh Johnson with Meg Cave moving into midfield. With this re-shuffle came a bit of confusion at the back at times with Fleur Charman and Johnson not quite on the same wave length, and the Worthing midfield became a bit lazy but they were still in control.
The spectators were then treated to what can easily be described as one of the best goals this season and a fine way to top off a hat-trick. Robinson who had been moved to the left hand side when Chloe Debaes had gone off early in the game, picked the ball up by the halfway line and travelled infield as well as forward, from 30 yards she hit and absolute screamer which curled away from the goalkeeper and in to the far top corner. 6-1.
The scoring was completed when Jemma Kendall put Robinson through on goal who smashed the ball into the back of the net to celebrate her 4th goal of the game. 7-1. Worthing then had to defend quite a bit for the last 15 minutes of the game but by this time were happy with the performance and result which got them back on track in the ECFA league after not playing in that league for quite a while due to cup games.
Worthing were really impressive in this game and have started to up their standards in the last couple of games after a bit of a dry patch. Worthing face Priory next week in a must win match in the ECFA league to start to secure second place behind an impressive Filton side, who Worthing face on the 9th march in the greatly anticipated national semi-final.
Player of the Match – Naomi Robinson, it would seem harsh not to give it to the winger who ended the game with four of Worthing’s seven goals. She worked tirelessly and this week was rewarded for her efforts. If she can keep up this form then she will be a danger to any team, especially whilst scoring goals like her third today.
Zaki
Netball Round Up
On a perfect afternoon for netball, Itchen arrived with two teams and an extremely keen coach. Knowing the coach as I do I knew that there was a battle ahead and had been fortunate enough to engage the services of an extremely good umpire. They too had brought a recognised umpire so there would be no excuse of the umpiring should the result go the wrong way !
Itchen are fortunate to have an England U17 player in their squad, however I reminded the girls that 7 players make a team and that there was nothing to worry about. The game started, quite physical from their point of view but Worthing started well with the players all working extremely hard on defence when the shots didn’t go in to stifle Itchen. Worthing ended the first quarter 9 -4 ahead.
The game continued in a similar vein with Worthing continuing to stretch their lead, whilst never making it look easy. The game was dominated by the defence on both sides with Worthing’s shooters being more accurate than Itchen. The second quarter ended 16-8, the third 26 -13 so at this point Itchen only had half score. Worthing dropped off in the last quarter, Anna Van Eevelt who had outplayed her opponent had suffered an injury to her thumb, Vicky Bowles who was playing her first game of the season, due to injury and illness of other squad members, was suffering with her long term back injury and with 2 mins to go, we lost Mele Jackson to her on going thumb injury, finishing the game with 6.
From the coaches point of view, it was great to see everything we worked on in training over the past few weeks working on court. Itchen made Amber man of the match, I woud have to say that I felt it was the defensive formation of Mele and Mele that won us the game – sorry Amber !!
But a massive win and well done to all and thank you to Vicky for playing.
Tina
Itchen are fortunate to have an England U17 player in their squad, however I reminded the girls that 7 players make a team and that there was nothing to worry about. The game started, quite physical from their point of view but Worthing started well with the players all working extremely hard on defence when the shots didn’t go in to stifle Itchen. Worthing ended the first quarter 9 -4 ahead.
The game continued in a similar vein with Worthing continuing to stretch their lead, whilst never making it look easy. The game was dominated by the defence on both sides with Worthing’s shooters being more accurate than Itchen. The second quarter ended 16-8, the third 26 -13 so at this point Itchen only had half score. Worthing dropped off in the last quarter, Anna Van Eevelt who had outplayed her opponent had suffered an injury to her thumb, Vicky Bowles who was playing her first game of the season, due to injury and illness of other squad members, was suffering with her long term back injury and with 2 mins to go, we lost Mele Jackson to her on going thumb injury, finishing the game with 6.
From the coaches point of view, it was great to see everything we worked on in training over the past few weeks working on court. Itchen made Amber man of the match, I woud have to say that I felt it was the defensive formation of Mele and Mele that won us the game – sorry Amber !!
But a massive win and well done to all and thank you to Vicky for playing.
Tina
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 16 Vol 2
The Worthing College Football Academy 1st XI took to the field this week against bottom of the table Sussex Downs Eastbourne knowing that a potential banana skin was only just around the corner, therefore focus was required for the whole 90 minutes, which would definitely be a development on last week's 5-1 win against Woking, where conceding in the last minute was frustrating to many.
With the fixture came an opportunity to "shuffle the pack" to allow all players game time and therefore all important match fitness. Sam Mannings and Ryan Quirke both returned to the fold with Liam "Des" O'Connor and Lee Mottershead waiting in the wings, who were joined by Ollie Setchell, who was continuing his rehabilitation and Nathan Webster.
Coach Dave Hall alerted to the players that a fast start was needed. His prayers were seemed to be answered when only after 20 seconds Dec Jenkins latched onto a Quirke pass and fired the ball past the host keeper. 1-0. Excellent start, but Worthing were put right back in their place as Sussex Downs put together a nice passing move and a number of set pieces to keeper stopper James Fernandes and his defence on guard.
The pitch was extremely sticky, which is the norm for this time of year, but in combination with a light match ball bobbles were aplenty and the game at times was scrappy due to this. However Worthing were clearly the more technically proficient side and with this chances came. Mannings was being a threat on the left and provided many a teasing delivery only for Matt Dodd and Jenkins not to find the killer touch. Worthing also looked dangerous from set plays and the front post run was found on numerous occasions with only a finish lacking. Midway through the half Worthing extended their lead. Jenkins again found himself in the areas and his strike was "sliced" into the top corner. 2-0.
With the lead doubled Worthing should have kicked on from here, but they never seemed to get out of second gear and this led to a half time brief of next goal being key and passing needs to be sharpened. Worthing almost started the second half as they did the first, Mannings this time was denied. Worthing were now into third gear with Dodd, Jordan Clark and newly crowned top goalscorer Joe Warner beginning to pull the strings. However it was Jenkins, who had a hand in the third goal. His cross was diverted home by the Sussex Downs number 3. 3-0.
To develop from last week the back four needed to be on their guard and they stood up admirably. Jack Boxall, Dan Heward, Jack Carey and Lewis Jenkins were playing intelligent football in these conditions. The fourth strike was Jenkins' hat trick, which he has deserved for all his running and work rate. Jenkins smashed home from close range. 4-0.
With the game all but one and with thirty to play it gave a chance for some to rest and others to get minutes. Carey was removed for the returning Setchell, O'Connor replaced Warner, Dec Jenkins left the field for Mottershead and Webster made his bow for Dodd (4 subs made and agreed by referee and both coaches before you say anything!!). Even though the chances were many Worthing still played the effective passing football, but number 5 was from the first route. Another Fernandes bomb was met by Mannings, who stroked the ball home. 5-0. As the game wore on Worthing created many more chances, unfortunately most were wasted. The sixth though was a thing of beauty. A Jordan Clark full volley after a well worked move. 6-0. There was even time for Quirke to do his usual and get on the score sheet with a left foot strike off the post and in. 7-0.
So to conclude a very professional performance that probably didn't really get out of third gear. Credit to the Sussex Downs boys, who battled admirably to the end. Again cannot praise the group highly enough for adding goals to dominant performances (16 in last three games) and with the way they are playing it is a great thing to watch at times and one that ALL involved should be proud of.
Here's to next week...
Onwards & Upwards!!
Hallsy
With the fixture came an opportunity to "shuffle the pack" to allow all players game time and therefore all important match fitness. Sam Mannings and Ryan Quirke both returned to the fold with Liam "Des" O'Connor and Lee Mottershead waiting in the wings, who were joined by Ollie Setchell, who was continuing his rehabilitation and Nathan Webster.
Coach Dave Hall alerted to the players that a fast start was needed. His prayers were seemed to be answered when only after 20 seconds Dec Jenkins latched onto a Quirke pass and fired the ball past the host keeper. 1-0. Excellent start, but Worthing were put right back in their place as Sussex Downs put together a nice passing move and a number of set pieces to keeper stopper James Fernandes and his defence on guard.
The pitch was extremely sticky, which is the norm for this time of year, but in combination with a light match ball bobbles were aplenty and the game at times was scrappy due to this. However Worthing were clearly the more technically proficient side and with this chances came. Mannings was being a threat on the left and provided many a teasing delivery only for Matt Dodd and Jenkins not to find the killer touch. Worthing also looked dangerous from set plays and the front post run was found on numerous occasions with only a finish lacking. Midway through the half Worthing extended their lead. Jenkins again found himself in the areas and his strike was "sliced" into the top corner. 2-0.
With the lead doubled Worthing should have kicked on from here, but they never seemed to get out of second gear and this led to a half time brief of next goal being key and passing needs to be sharpened. Worthing almost started the second half as they did the first, Mannings this time was denied. Worthing were now into third gear with Dodd, Jordan Clark and newly crowned top goalscorer Joe Warner beginning to pull the strings. However it was Jenkins, who had a hand in the third goal. His cross was diverted home by the Sussex Downs number 3. 3-0.
To develop from last week the back four needed to be on their guard and they stood up admirably. Jack Boxall, Dan Heward, Jack Carey and Lewis Jenkins were playing intelligent football in these conditions. The fourth strike was Jenkins' hat trick, which he has deserved for all his running and work rate. Jenkins smashed home from close range. 4-0.
With the game all but one and with thirty to play it gave a chance for some to rest and others to get minutes. Carey was removed for the returning Setchell, O'Connor replaced Warner, Dec Jenkins left the field for Mottershead and Webster made his bow for Dodd (4 subs made and agreed by referee and both coaches before you say anything!!). Even though the chances were many Worthing still played the effective passing football, but number 5 was from the first route. Another Fernandes bomb was met by Mannings, who stroked the ball home. 5-0. As the game wore on Worthing created many more chances, unfortunately most were wasted. The sixth though was a thing of beauty. A Jordan Clark full volley after a well worked move. 6-0. There was even time for Quirke to do his usual and get on the score sheet with a left foot strike off the post and in. 7-0.
So to conclude a very professional performance that probably didn't really get out of third gear. Credit to the Sussex Downs boys, who battled admirably to the end. Again cannot praise the group highly enough for adding goals to dominant performances (16 in last three games) and with the way they are playing it is a great thing to watch at times and one that ALL involved should be proud of.
Here's to next week...
Onwards & Upwards!!
Hallsy
Friday 4 February 2011
Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 15 Vol 2
The Worthing College Men's Football Academy 1st XI took to the Mill Road pitch full of confidence after a solid weeks worth of training. However with the razzmatazz of the Worthing Herald photographer taking individual and team shots along with a wounded yet talented Woking side baying for blood, would Worthing lose their focus? Would complacency be their enemy? Only the next 90 minutes would give us that answer!
For the second game running Worthing seemed to yet again start slowly with their opponents taking initiative early on with some dangerous looking crosses into the Worthing penalty area, however luckily for Worthing James Fernandes was not called into action defensively. On the other hand it was Fernandes' attacking qualities that were to break the deadlock. His patience and accuracy led to a huge strike dropping out of the air into midfielder Joe Warner, who cushioned the ball with his head with his first touch and his second touch poke the ball home from a tight angle past the despairing Woking number 1. 1-0.
This gave Worthing the chance to move through the gears and their use of the conditions were outstanding with Warner, Matt Dodd and Jordan Clark showing the way with some exquisite DIAGS. The three forwards were also doing their bit with Lee Mottershead and Liam "Des" O'Connor keeping the width to allow Worthing's expansive game to take place. The tireless Dec Jenkins was also on top form, winning the ball high up the pitch allowing Worthing to attack with more consistency. It was also that man Jenkins who set up the second Worthing goal. His cross shot was toe poked high into the net by Mottershead who had cut in effectively from his flank. 2-0.
Worthing had worked hard to get into this postion, however lapses in concentration could so easily let Woking back into the tie, who showed a massive improvement from the subsequent fixture back in October where Worthing ran out 7-1 victors. This looked less likely as the back four of Lewis Jenkins, Jack Carey, Dan Heward and Jack Boxall were standing firm and being more sensible in possession than last time out against Ravenswood. With the game drawing towards half time the next goal in the game would be crucial and it was Worthing that got it just before the break. Another "bomb" from Fernandes led to Dec Jenkins clipping an inch perfect pass into the path of the on rushing Warner, who flicked the ball past goalkeeper and defender only to be taken down. PENALTY. Clark relinquished penalty taking duties to Warner and he duly responded by placing the ball into the corner of the net. 3-0.
With the score line increased this didn't really alter the half time chat, which was based upon focus and not letting up. The next goal would either bring hope to Woking or place the final nail in the coffin.
Worthing started the half again with purpose and a special mention to O'Connor, who had been ill all week managed to pop up with a well worked fourth goal. A Boxall throw in was flicked on by Dodd, which O'Connor flicked past the defender with one foot and in the same movement placed the ball under the ever frustrated Woking goalkeeper, who thought a foul should have come his way. 4-0.
It looked as if the points were going to be Worthing's, but the foot still needed to pushed to the floor. From this attitude the fifth and arguably one of the goals of the Academy season (hate to say it!!) came to fruition. A move involving Lewis Jenkins, Clark, Boxall, and Dodd led to the latter back heeling the ball into the path of that man Warner, who from 20+ yards our curled the ball first time past the outstretched Woking stopper. 5-0.
From this point it seemed as if Worthing were now full of confidence, however you can be too confident at times (even though its great to watch!!). This riled the opposition and the game began to get a little "naughty" with Woking flying in with late challenges, but to their credit Worthing stood tall and didn't retaliate. The lead could and should have been extended. Lewis Jenkins and Warner combined for Warner to cross for Mottershead to slide home his second, however Warner was deemed to be in an offside position.
As the game was "in the bag" it was time to give all players game time, so Olly Setchell returned for O'Connor, Matt Chester, who also has recovered from injury replaced Dan Heward and Ross Myers replaced Dodd. With the score line it was inevitable that lapses in concentration were going to come, but Worthing needed to keep the sheet clean and "not get slackier" (team joke!!). However in the final minutes this didn't materialise with Woking scoring a mere consulation. The Woking number 11 headed in from close range after being left to roam the penalty area. 5-1.
All in all a much better performance and at times it is a real joy to sit back and watch a team playing with high amounts of ability and skill as well as BEING A TEAM. However when the bigger sides come to town we ALL need to make sure that we play for the WHOLE 90 minutes to make sure that the results look after themselves.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
For the second game running Worthing seemed to yet again start slowly with their opponents taking initiative early on with some dangerous looking crosses into the Worthing penalty area, however luckily for Worthing James Fernandes was not called into action defensively. On the other hand it was Fernandes' attacking qualities that were to break the deadlock. His patience and accuracy led to a huge strike dropping out of the air into midfielder Joe Warner, who cushioned the ball with his head with his first touch and his second touch poke the ball home from a tight angle past the despairing Woking number 1. 1-0.
This gave Worthing the chance to move through the gears and their use of the conditions were outstanding with Warner, Matt Dodd and Jordan Clark showing the way with some exquisite DIAGS. The three forwards were also doing their bit with Lee Mottershead and Liam "Des" O'Connor keeping the width to allow Worthing's expansive game to take place. The tireless Dec Jenkins was also on top form, winning the ball high up the pitch allowing Worthing to attack with more consistency. It was also that man Jenkins who set up the second Worthing goal. His cross shot was toe poked high into the net by Mottershead who had cut in effectively from his flank. 2-0.
Worthing had worked hard to get into this postion, however lapses in concentration could so easily let Woking back into the tie, who showed a massive improvement from the subsequent fixture back in October where Worthing ran out 7-1 victors. This looked less likely as the back four of Lewis Jenkins, Jack Carey, Dan Heward and Jack Boxall were standing firm and being more sensible in possession than last time out against Ravenswood. With the game drawing towards half time the next goal in the game would be crucial and it was Worthing that got it just before the break. Another "bomb" from Fernandes led to Dec Jenkins clipping an inch perfect pass into the path of the on rushing Warner, who flicked the ball past goalkeeper and defender only to be taken down. PENALTY. Clark relinquished penalty taking duties to Warner and he duly responded by placing the ball into the corner of the net. 3-0.
With the score line increased this didn't really alter the half time chat, which was based upon focus and not letting up. The next goal would either bring hope to Woking or place the final nail in the coffin.
Worthing started the half again with purpose and a special mention to O'Connor, who had been ill all week managed to pop up with a well worked fourth goal. A Boxall throw in was flicked on by Dodd, which O'Connor flicked past the defender with one foot and in the same movement placed the ball under the ever frustrated Woking goalkeeper, who thought a foul should have come his way. 4-0.
It looked as if the points were going to be Worthing's, but the foot still needed to pushed to the floor. From this attitude the fifth and arguably one of the goals of the Academy season (hate to say it!!) came to fruition. A move involving Lewis Jenkins, Clark, Boxall, and Dodd led to the latter back heeling the ball into the path of that man Warner, who from 20+ yards our curled the ball first time past the outstretched Woking stopper. 5-0.
From this point it seemed as if Worthing were now full of confidence, however you can be too confident at times (even though its great to watch!!). This riled the opposition and the game began to get a little "naughty" with Woking flying in with late challenges, but to their credit Worthing stood tall and didn't retaliate. The lead could and should have been extended. Lewis Jenkins and Warner combined for Warner to cross for Mottershead to slide home his second, however Warner was deemed to be in an offside position.
As the game was "in the bag" it was time to give all players game time, so Olly Setchell returned for O'Connor, Matt Chester, who also has recovered from injury replaced Dan Heward and Ross Myers replaced Dodd. With the score line it was inevitable that lapses in concentration were going to come, but Worthing needed to keep the sheet clean and "not get slackier" (team joke!!). However in the final minutes this didn't materialise with Woking scoring a mere consulation. The Woking number 11 headed in from close range after being left to roam the penalty area. 5-1.
All in all a much better performance and at times it is a real joy to sit back and watch a team playing with high amounts of ability and skill as well as BEING A TEAM. However when the bigger sides come to town we ALL need to make sure that we play for the WHOLE 90 minutes to make sure that the results look after themselves.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Thursday 3 February 2011
Banter with Benji - County Cup Edition
Rugby Academy 1st XV Under 18's
Worthing 31 Collyers 20 (County Cup Quarter Final)
Worthing travelled to Horsham for the County Cup quarter final against the unknown quantity of Richard Collyers College. In the past there had been many battles of epic proportions and this day was to prove nothing short of a carbon copy the confrontations before.
Worthing started with a man advantage as the Collyers side took the field with 14, this worked in two ways, one to strengthen the resolve of the home side and two to lower the visitors expectations and arousal levels. So imagine the looks that were on the Worthing faces when the first try went to home side.
Worthing started putting some nice phases of rugby together and this led to numerous trips to the opposition half and eventually the first Worthing 7 pointer.
So sit back, relax pull up a foot stool and get into your favourite slippers and joggy pants because here comes the storm of Worthing scores.... Not so much the home side hadn’t had a look at the scrip and each of the 14 were to a man taking care of business. Collyers were making sure the visitors were not the force they thought themselves to be and taught the invaluable message that ‘a small group of motivated individuals can change the world.’ So scores were traded and Worthing went into the turn up by 19-15.
To the second half and more of the same, Worthing trying to play too much rugby from all over the field not using the conditions to travel towards the oppostion line. With the home sided busting everything they had to make it tough for Worthing and get themselves a little piece of the scoring action.
Scores again traded and Worthing getting worried as the psychological balance of the side took a big swing to the negative.
The onlooking Worthing coach wondering if anything that had been worked on during the week, said before the kick off, or at half time had been listened to and understood. The evidence was sketchy at best damming at worst. The old adage stepped up ‘no brain no game’ and here we all were living through the collective personification of.
In the final 12mins Worthing eventually broke the home resistance and put over for the final Worthing 7 for the day. Collyers got themselves into the corner for a very good score and that made the final score 31-20 to Worthing. Closer than Worthing players expected, better than the Collyers players hoped for and a little better than the Worthing coaching and support staff feared at half time.
What can we take from this game.... another win, in a close local derby encounter. The lesson that nothing is a given, you earn everything and can’t take anything or anyone for granted. That if you get on each other after mistakes more are likely to occur and you are just shooting yourself, team mate and team in the collective foot- not cool. When it comes down to it, could all of the Worthing side ‘Look at the guy in the glass’ with confidence? The Collyers men could.
County cup semis, here we come nothing less than a win will do, so lets all ‘fix up and look sharp.’ I’ll see you Monday bring your lungs (x20).
Worthing 31 Collyers 20 (County Cup Quarter Final)
Worthing travelled to Horsham for the County Cup quarter final against the unknown quantity of Richard Collyers College. In the past there had been many battles of epic proportions and this day was to prove nothing short of a carbon copy the confrontations before.
Worthing started with a man advantage as the Collyers side took the field with 14, this worked in two ways, one to strengthen the resolve of the home side and two to lower the visitors expectations and arousal levels. So imagine the looks that were on the Worthing faces when the first try went to home side.
Worthing started putting some nice phases of rugby together and this led to numerous trips to the opposition half and eventually the first Worthing 7 pointer.
So sit back, relax pull up a foot stool and get into your favourite slippers and joggy pants because here comes the storm of Worthing scores.... Not so much the home side hadn’t had a look at the scrip and each of the 14 were to a man taking care of business. Collyers were making sure the visitors were not the force they thought themselves to be and taught the invaluable message that ‘a small group of motivated individuals can change the world.’ So scores were traded and Worthing went into the turn up by 19-15.
To the second half and more of the same, Worthing trying to play too much rugby from all over the field not using the conditions to travel towards the oppostion line. With the home sided busting everything they had to make it tough for Worthing and get themselves a little piece of the scoring action.
Scores again traded and Worthing getting worried as the psychological balance of the side took a big swing to the negative.
The onlooking Worthing coach wondering if anything that had been worked on during the week, said before the kick off, or at half time had been listened to and understood. The evidence was sketchy at best damming at worst. The old adage stepped up ‘no brain no game’ and here we all were living through the collective personification of.
In the final 12mins Worthing eventually broke the home resistance and put over for the final Worthing 7 for the day. Collyers got themselves into the corner for a very good score and that made the final score 31-20 to Worthing. Closer than Worthing players expected, better than the Collyers players hoped for and a little better than the Worthing coaching and support staff feared at half time.
What can we take from this game.... another win, in a close local derby encounter. The lesson that nothing is a given, you earn everything and can’t take anything or anyone for granted. That if you get on each other after mistakes more are likely to occur and you are just shooting yourself, team mate and team in the collective foot- not cool. When it comes down to it, could all of the Worthing side ‘Look at the guy in the glass’ with confidence? The Collyers men could.
County cup semis, here we come nothing less than a win will do, so lets all ‘fix up and look sharp.’ I’ll see you Monday bring your lungs (x20).
A View from the Zak! - National Edition!!
ESFA Women's Under 18 Colleges' Trophy Quarter Final
South Essex College vs. Worthing College
Reporter - Zaki Rahman
The girls travelled to Southend in the quarter final of the ESFA national cup 3 weeks after making the exact same journey, including the exact same mistake to get lost when finding the ground, knowing that a win would put them in the top 4 in the country and would set up a semi-final tie with Filton.
The pitch had a considerable slope and it was obvious that this could potentially play a big part in the game. Worthing played the first half up the hill, and going down the hill suited South Essex’s game well.
A good battle began to develop between the sharp South Essex number ten and Fleur Charman at the back for Worthing. South Essex looked to turn Worthing in behind regularly, utilising their pace, but the Worthing back four were dealing with it well. Meg Cave would win almost everything on the first ball and anything that was over her saw Charman sweeping round.
The majority of the first half was played in the Worthing half but saying this it was not causing any danger to the Worthing goal, as Lauren Binfield was just watching shots go past the post from distance. In fact the clear cut chances of the half fell to Worthing; firstly Lucy Somes danced her way through two defenders and into the box before blasting the ball straight at the keeper. Then only minutes later, Naomi Robinson stole the ball from the left back and jinked inside to have a clear sight at goal before blasting over the bar. The game was fiercely competed in the middle of midfield with Sophie Frost and Jemma Kendall coming up against a strong battling opposition and having one of their harder fights of the season, with Kendall ending up in the book.
But Worthing’s solid defence and battling up the hill was rewarded just before half time when an up and under from Amy Potkins found Robinson in the penalty area who beat the defender to it and put the ball away to put Worthing in front. 1-0.
This is how the game stood at half time, and Worthing could be delighted with this as thoughts as the half went on were that 0-0 at half time would be good.
The half time word was to just keep battling as naturally we would be on the front foot because of the slope. The next goal was crucial to how the game swayed.
The second half started with a similar nervous and cagey sense to it with neither side wanting to open the game up too much, but Worthing were getting through the South Essex defence with one simple move. Massive Binfield drop kicks were seemingly always beating the two centre halves and leaving Somes and Potkins to chase down the loose balls.
But Worthing were not making the most of these opportunities and as the game wore on, South Essex’s belief began to grow. This belief turned into fortune when the referee awarded a controversial decision, a South Essex corner saw Frost and the South Essex centre back collide with two high feet, with the referee delaying before pointing to the spot. The Worthing players were bemused and tempers nearly boiled over when Charman and the player she had been marking squared up after a few words were said. This time Charman’s name was taken and another fine for a Worthing player after she had been caught pushing the Striker. South Essex converted the penalty and the game was now level with just over twenty minutes to go, which would have meant extra time. 1-1.
But Worthing were almost spurred into life with the award of the penalty and the handbags that followed, and tackles became a little bit stronger and Worthing were winning balls that were 60-40 in Essex’s favour.
After a few nearly opportunities, with the final ball not quite being there, a chance was made from almost nothing. Robinson picked up the ball deep and drove towards the area, after beating a second defender she smashed the ball from the right hand corner of the box, the keeper was easily beaten but this time it was the bar that denied Worthing, the ball bounced down pitch side of the line and the game carried on at one a piece.
Was it going to be one of those days where Worthing didn’t get the run of the mill? Again quality from Robinson saw her beat a player before sliding through a perfectly weighted pass for Somes who took one touch and put the ball across the keeper and into the far corner for Worthing to restore their lead. 2-1.
With South Essex pushing on to try and get back in the game, they were hit with a killer blow, which can be classed as unfortunate and one of the more lucky goals of the season.
A clearance from the South Essex keeper was headed back by Frost and with all the defenders pushing up with the kick made Somes look offside. Somes didn’t really have time to react to the ball shooting passed her, so stuck out a leg to try and get the ball under control about 30 yards from goal. The keeper had not yet restored her position in the goal and the Touch from Somes diverted the ball round the keeper and into the empty net for everyone to look across at the linesman. Somes was not offside and everyone looked baffled, and this was shown with Worthing’s rather awkward celebration after they hadn’t quite worked out what had happened.
A solid defensive performance was seen out till the end and Worthing had secured their place in the last 4 with an impressive performance. In a one off cup tie any result is possible, and with a similar performance to this one then Worthing can believe they have a good chance of turning Filton over.
Players of the Match – Meg Cave and Fleur Charman, for a brilliant partnership at the centre of defence. They listened to Mike’s advice about dealing with a quick striker and dealt with her very well. They were a solid base to build a good win on.
Zaki
South Essex College vs. Worthing College
Reporter - Zaki Rahman
The girls travelled to Southend in the quarter final of the ESFA national cup 3 weeks after making the exact same journey, including the exact same mistake to get lost when finding the ground, knowing that a win would put them in the top 4 in the country and would set up a semi-final tie with Filton.
The pitch had a considerable slope and it was obvious that this could potentially play a big part in the game. Worthing played the first half up the hill, and going down the hill suited South Essex’s game well.
A good battle began to develop between the sharp South Essex number ten and Fleur Charman at the back for Worthing. South Essex looked to turn Worthing in behind regularly, utilising their pace, but the Worthing back four were dealing with it well. Meg Cave would win almost everything on the first ball and anything that was over her saw Charman sweeping round.
The majority of the first half was played in the Worthing half but saying this it was not causing any danger to the Worthing goal, as Lauren Binfield was just watching shots go past the post from distance. In fact the clear cut chances of the half fell to Worthing; firstly Lucy Somes danced her way through two defenders and into the box before blasting the ball straight at the keeper. Then only minutes later, Naomi Robinson stole the ball from the left back and jinked inside to have a clear sight at goal before blasting over the bar. The game was fiercely competed in the middle of midfield with Sophie Frost and Jemma Kendall coming up against a strong battling opposition and having one of their harder fights of the season, with Kendall ending up in the book.
But Worthing’s solid defence and battling up the hill was rewarded just before half time when an up and under from Amy Potkins found Robinson in the penalty area who beat the defender to it and put the ball away to put Worthing in front. 1-0.
This is how the game stood at half time, and Worthing could be delighted with this as thoughts as the half went on were that 0-0 at half time would be good.
The half time word was to just keep battling as naturally we would be on the front foot because of the slope. The next goal was crucial to how the game swayed.
The second half started with a similar nervous and cagey sense to it with neither side wanting to open the game up too much, but Worthing were getting through the South Essex defence with one simple move. Massive Binfield drop kicks were seemingly always beating the two centre halves and leaving Somes and Potkins to chase down the loose balls.
But Worthing were not making the most of these opportunities and as the game wore on, South Essex’s belief began to grow. This belief turned into fortune when the referee awarded a controversial decision, a South Essex corner saw Frost and the South Essex centre back collide with two high feet, with the referee delaying before pointing to the spot. The Worthing players were bemused and tempers nearly boiled over when Charman and the player she had been marking squared up after a few words were said. This time Charman’s name was taken and another fine for a Worthing player after she had been caught pushing the Striker. South Essex converted the penalty and the game was now level with just over twenty minutes to go, which would have meant extra time. 1-1.
But Worthing were almost spurred into life with the award of the penalty and the handbags that followed, and tackles became a little bit stronger and Worthing were winning balls that were 60-40 in Essex’s favour.
After a few nearly opportunities, with the final ball not quite being there, a chance was made from almost nothing. Robinson picked up the ball deep and drove towards the area, after beating a second defender she smashed the ball from the right hand corner of the box, the keeper was easily beaten but this time it was the bar that denied Worthing, the ball bounced down pitch side of the line and the game carried on at one a piece.
Was it going to be one of those days where Worthing didn’t get the run of the mill? Again quality from Robinson saw her beat a player before sliding through a perfectly weighted pass for Somes who took one touch and put the ball across the keeper and into the far corner for Worthing to restore their lead. 2-1.
With South Essex pushing on to try and get back in the game, they were hit with a killer blow, which can be classed as unfortunate and one of the more lucky goals of the season.
A clearance from the South Essex keeper was headed back by Frost and with all the defenders pushing up with the kick made Somes look offside. Somes didn’t really have time to react to the ball shooting passed her, so stuck out a leg to try and get the ball under control about 30 yards from goal. The keeper had not yet restored her position in the goal and the Touch from Somes diverted the ball round the keeper and into the empty net for everyone to look across at the linesman. Somes was not offside and everyone looked baffled, and this was shown with Worthing’s rather awkward celebration after they hadn’t quite worked out what had happened.
A solid defensive performance was seen out till the end and Worthing had secured their place in the last 4 with an impressive performance. In a one off cup tie any result is possible, and with a similar performance to this one then Worthing can believe they have a good chance of turning Filton over.
Players of the Match – Meg Cave and Fleur Charman, for a brilliant partnership at the centre of defence. They listened to Mike’s advice about dealing with a quick striker and dealt with her very well. They were a solid base to build a good win on.
Zaki
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