Hallsy's Academy Report - National Semi Final Edition

Coming into this game Worthing College were already "history makers" after being the first Worthing College side to reach the last four of the ESFA National Cup. Could they go the next step and reach the final?? 90 minutes and hosts Queens School of Watford would help us find this answer.

Worthing prepared themselves as well as they could. Travel was luxurious and the Queens School Academy pitch puts ALL county league grounds to shame, with its flat, crisp surface. The weather was even ideal giving the pitch a firm, yet skiddy top. All these signs pointed to giving Worthing at least a 50/50 chance.

The squad was also settled with Lewis Jenkins the only one missing out due to an ankle injury. He was replaced by Matt Chester, who began the match at right back, with the ever consistent Jack Boxall moving to left back. Also the timely return of Drew McGill to the bench after injury was a boost. He was joined by Ryan Quirke, Olly Setchell, Jon Watkins and substitute goalkeeper Sean Butler.

The warm up was focused and players were advised to "take it like any other game", however its extremely hard to when a National Final against Gateshead awaited the winners. The words from the off were to start sharply and shake off any nerves. Unfortunately for Worthing the hosts started brighter with their front two (9 & 10) looking lively and direct. To their credit Worthing stood firm, especially the back four of Chester, Boxall, Jack Carey and Dan Heward, who allowed goalkeeper and skipper James Fernandes not to be troubled.

As the half grew, so did Worthing and we began to see glimpses of their quality. Liam "Des" O'Connor when receiving the ball in wide areas gave his full back plenty to think about with his movement and pace. However it was Matt Dodd, who had the first real Worthing chance from a free kick. Dodd rose above the big centre half and directed his header goalwards, however power was lacking. O'Connor then got in on the act. He shot twice at the Queens goal with the second effort looping just over the bar. As it seemed Worthing were getting a foothold in the game the deadlock was broken, however it was the hosts that took the lead. A long ball into the channel was chased down by the pacy 10, his trickery and cross was headed bravely by Chester, but into the path of the onrushing number 9, who drove the ball low and hard into the net. 0-1.

Not a problem as Worthing had been here before, most recently in the quarter finals against SEEVIC, where they were victorious. Could history repeat itself?? This was how the score stayed until half time and the message from the bench was upbeat, needing to believe as individuals and each other, as well as getting at their weak point. The back four.

Worthing went out with renewed confidence, but again the tie retorted into a tight, close affair, with neither side giving much away. With this changes were made and Worthing brought on Setchell for Lee Mottershead, which pushed O'Connor inside and Sam Mannings into a wider area. As time wore on and it got close to SEEVIC time, Worthing began to finally attack their opponents with Mannings in instigator. Firstly he had a free kick charged down by the Queens wall, then two pieces of quality almost bought parity to the tie. Firstly a front post corner routine that was delivered to perfection by Mannings only for Heward not to get a full connection onto his header, then an even better free kick, which Chester was about to head goalwards if it wasn't for a Queens head.

The hosts were also pushing for a second and killer goal and Worthing had Fernandes to thank for an awesome double save late on. Still the chances came for Worthing they were definitely giving it a good go. Dodd and Joe Warner were beginning to find their range of passes, but it was Fernandes, who almost became provider when his huge strike was gambled upon by Mannings, whose volley was struck towards the near post, where the far one may have been a better option. Setchell even got in on the act too, but his volley at the far post was high, wide and unfortunately not so handsome.

With almost the last kick of the game Worthing's National dream was in tatters when the Queens substitue found himself through on goal and slid the ball under the advancing Fernandes. 0-2 and cue the Ghanaian style dance moves (which will haunt me for a long time!)

So the dream is over, however the boys, the college and their families and friends should be proud of this achievement. Now it is probably hurting, however upon reflection their efforts and abilities should be heralded as one of the best football teams Worthing College as ever had!

For those that leave us at the end of the season I wish them well and I hope that they realise their full potential. For those who are here for another year Queens celebrations should be a motivator for next season, where possibly it might be us busting out the dance moves!!

Now onto taking care of the league!!

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy