After an alternative week in training, which included the squad taking part in a strength and flexibility dance session the Worthing College Football First XI took to the Basildon Sports Village pitch knowing that unchartered territory could be reached if Worthing were to defeat their league higher opponents, SEEVIC.
Worthing were at full strength at Under 18 level with Sam Mannings playing a more central role and Ryan Quirke, Olly Setchell and Matt Chester taking their places on the sidelines. For the victor a place in the last four of the ESFA National Cup and from the warm up it was visible that there was a focus on the task at hand, however this was accompanied by a nervousness, which coach Dave Hall hoped was not going to be a detrimental factor in their performance.
The match began with both sides looking the play the “right” ball with SEEVIC matching up Worthing with a 4-3-3 formation as well as playing effective diagonal passes, which the visitors are also renowned for. However it was SEEVIC that seemed to settle first and began to press Worthing, but didn’t really create any clear cut chances. As the half grew on Worthing began to get themselves into the game with the midfield three of Mannings, Matt Dodd and Joe Warner getting tighter to the opponents and forcing more errors to gain back possession. This ensured that Worthing got into more attacking positions with just the final ball or shot missing. The front three of Dec Jenkins, Lee Mottershead and Liam O’Connor or being guilty of this in one form or another.
As Worthing grew into the game unfortunately for them SEEVIC took the lead. A well delivered cross from the full back was met by the SEEVIC number 8, who glanced his header past the diving James Fernandes. 0-1. With this Worthing needed to roll their sleeves up and get back to work, and to their credit they definitely did this. The back four of Jack Boxall, Dan Heward, Jack Carey and Lewis Jenkins were standing firm against the dynamic SEEVIC front three, but it was the attacking qualities of Jenkins and Boxall that almost got Worthing back into the game. Jenkins ran through the host defence and struck a thunderous shot against the bar, which bounced out to the supporting Dodd, who could only kick air, instead of ball.
At half time the word from the coaching staff Dave Hall and Danny Cullip was to stay strong and continue to play the right way, which will ensure that the pressure is continued. The second period started once again fairly evenly with both sides cancelling each other out. Worthing though were always dangerous on the break with Dec Jenkins giving the centre halves a hard time with his pace and direct style. It was his brother though that brought Worthing to life when he skipped past his opposing full back and delivered a sublime cross that just evaded the despairing Worthing attack. This prompted Worthing and they began to dominate all over the park. Both Jenkins and Boxall were driving on from full back to start many an attack, but the finish was missing on all too many occasions. Mottershead came to life, with his excellent run and cross being met by O’Connor, but his volley went agonisingly past the post. Was it not going to be Worthing’s day yet again?? SEEVIC were doing their best to run the clock down, with clearances going out of the ground on numerous occasions and the host goalkeeper taking his time whenever he could, much to the frustration of Worthing.
Worthing work rate was as always second to none and they kept pressing and never gave up. However this was taking its toll physically and the first to fall was Sam Mannings, who had to make way for Olly Setchell, who took his place on the wing and O’Connor moved inside. SEEVIC were playing a high line and Dec Jenkins was taking full advantage with just the finish missing. His last one on one was unfortunately to be his last touch of the game as he was clattered by the SEEVIC stopper and had to be withdrawn with a painful shin injury. He was replaced by centre half Matt Chester, who was asked to play as a makeshift striker for the last ten minutes. With that change a more attacking formation was adopted, 4-2-4, with Warner playing in a more advanced role. Time was running out and Worthing had a number of long balls and throws flung into the SEEVIC area and it was one of these that were to send the tie into extra time. A deep cross by Dodd was controlled by Setchell, who turned and showed excellent composure to chip the ball over the keeper and this was met by O’Connor, who slammed the ball home. 1-1. Celebrations were wild both on and off the field, but it was totally deserved. SEEVIC didn’t even have time to kick off.
Worthing now had the confidence and momentum going into the extra period. The bodies may have hurt, but the mind needed to stay focused. The first period of extra time was pretty nondescript, but both sides had great chances to take the lead. Setchell beat the goalkeeper, but not the defender on the line and SEEVIC had a shot whistle past Fernandes’ far post.
The game was now extremely open, but Worthing were now clearly out playing SEEVIC in every department and with ten minutes to go in the game Worthing took the lead. A direct pass from Boxall evaded the SEEVIC back line. Chester sprinted onto the ball, rounded the keeper and showed a strikers instinct to slide the ball into the corner from a tight angle. 2-1. Cue the exuberant celebrations (again on and off the field!!).
But there were still ten minutes to play so concentration and discipline was the name of the game if a semi final place was to be assured. Worthing had defended and attacked like trojans throughout the whole match and SEEVIC were becoming extremely frustrated. This resulted in the number 8 being sent off after an altercation with Heward. With time counting down SEEVIC won a free kick on the edge of the area after a perfectly looking tackle from Carey. Are SEEVIC going to do a Worthing and take the tie to spot kicks? Fernandes had other ideas. His finger tip top corner save was exquisite.
The clock was run down and Worthing were more than gracious in victory. Each one of them can be proud of their efforts and have been a credit to themselves and the College once again. This now sets up another AWAY trip to Queens School of Watford in the SEMI FINALS of the ESFA National Cup, which has never been achieved by a Worthing College side before. A wonderful and well deserved achievement. Worthing are now only one game away from a final to be played at Hereford United FC on Monday April 11th. Hereford was the venue for one of the greatest FA Cup shocks in history. Could history repeat itself if Worthing come to the party, who knows, but its in our hands!!!
Fantastic lads. Proud of everyone of you!!!
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
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