Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 18 Vol 2

Worthing came into the game full of high spirits after their colossal win at SEEVIC in the National Cup, however they needed to get back to business as a physical Bromley FC awaited in the ECFA Regional league.

With many matches coming up the Worthing squad was rotated yet again, however coach Dave Hall was confident that this would not affect team performance. Sam Mannings (unavailable), Dan Heward (suspended), Dec Jenkins and Matt Chester (both injured) were all omitted from the squad. However Jordan Clark returned to the centre of midfield and Liam “Des” O’Connor took an unfamiliar central striking role, with Ryan Quirke returning to the right.

The match was played on a wide, yet bobbly surface and with a light ball this culminated in players finding it hard to get the ball under control. Worthing started slowly with passes going astray and with frustration beginning to build Worthing needed to be calm and get back to the basics. As the half grew on this started to happen with Matt Dodd, Joe Warner and Clark getting hold of the midfield area and this was the catalyst for Worthing to press the game higher. With this chances were created. Firstly a Ryan Quirke diagonal was delightfully weighted into the path of Warner, who couldn’t apply the finish, hitting hit high and wide. Winger Lee Mottershead was along getting in on the action, however his shot was tame, whereas going closer to goal may have been better.

To their credit Bromley were keeping a decent shape and were looking at sitting behind the ball and hitting their visitors on the break, however chances were few and far between and this was down to the back four of Jack Boxall, Jack Carey, Lewis Jenkins and Olly Setchell holding firm. Worthing were not playing at their best, but did show glimpses of quality and this was evident in the opening goal. A well worked one touch move involving three Worthing players resulted in Jordan Clark stroking the ball home from 6 yards. 1-0. This seemed to spur Worthing on and from this more chances were created, with the most clear cut coming from Warner, after a sublime back heel from Clark. As the half was about to come to a close Worthing had their first scare. Good combination play by the Bromley 9 and 10 allowed the latter to strike from distance and beat keeper Fernandes, but not the bar.

At half time the theme was one of understanding. Understanding that all cannot perform to their potential all the time and that the amount of football being played at times can be detrimental to some matches. However the players needed to be psychologically strong to ensure that the three points were also joining Worthing on the minibus drive home.

The second half started evenly with Bromley not giving up their shape and growing in confidence, which gave them more freedom in their play. This opened the game up and allowed Worthing to slowly move through the gears. Worthing doubled their lead from an in-direct free kick, which was awarded against the Bromley stopper for holding onto the ball for at least 10 seconds. Mottershead and Dodd stood together blocking a clear view of the ball, it was then rolled back to Clark, who cooly slotted the ball into the far corner. 2-0. This goal sparked a period where Worthing were in complete control and it seemed as if there was to be only one winner. However with chances at a premium this always gave Bromley an opportunity to get back into the game and they did from the penalty spot. For once the tight Worthing defence was caught square, which allowed the Bromley number 15 through on goal and as he clipped the ball high and wide over Fernandes the referee adjudged his challenge to be illegal. The Bromley number 8 then cooly slotted the resultant penalty home. 2-1.

From being in a very comfortable position Worthing were now under pressure and with 15 minutes left two points could easily be dropped. To their credit Worthing stayed strong defensively and only with a couple of further scares they finally crossed the line as winners.

All in all another professional performance, where all were not up to their full potential (which is understandable with the amount of games they have to play and the intensity they play at), but still got the positive result, which is the sign of an extremely good team and long may this continue.

Next week Hextable, which will be a similar tough test as this week was, so rest up and be ready to go again next week.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy