Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 1

After a well attended and positive pre season programme the Men's Football Academy had a mixed start to life to their ECFA campaigns, however levels of performance were very promising and therefore this definately bodes well for the rest of the season.

The first team travelled to Eastbourne for a local derby against Sussex Downs and on a small and difficult pitch Worthing started the brighter with some sharp passing football. However their opponents were big, strong and direct and this led to Sussex Downs being 2-0 up at the break with goals coming from one long ball and a poorly defended cross. The next goal was vital and Worthing started the second half like an express train and got that vital goal with Shaun Charles curling the ball over the stranded keeper. 2-1. Worthing could have wondered what might have been if full back George Dowell had slid the ball under the advancing keeper, however his shot was high and blocked. Despite the result Academy coach Dave Hall was still upbeat in reflection; "the lads worked hard and showed a good reaction, especially in the second half. However we need to make sure we cut out the errors and take more shots at goal, but at times the passing and movement is a joy to watch." Jordan Clark, Jack Boxall and George Dowell were the players who caught the eye on the day.

The second team made their debut in the ECFA 2nd XI League and started off by demolising Thames Valley 4-0 at Reading. The goals came from Zaki Rahman, Liam O'Connor and a brace from striker Phil Charman, which led to Academy coach Danny Cullip praising the whole team by saying "all the lads were brilliant today. They all had an excellent attitude and played with smiles on their faces. This is a great start and hopefully it will continue. At times the passing was superb and Liam's goal was an awesome strike!"

Finally Danny and I would like to thank you all this week for your work rate, attitude and most of you making effort with your pre match wear. Hopefully after this week we can look forward to the training, which will develop your game over the coming season. Keep a look out next month for the first edition of Academy "Team Mates", which should bring up some interesting views!!

Cheers,

Hallsy