Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 3

It turned out to be six of the best for the 1st XI this week as they romped home with an impressive second half display and the 2nd XI kept up their decent start to the season drawing in a six goal thriller!

After having last week off the 1st XI knew that they needed to get their season up and running against new opposition in the form of Sandwich Technology School from Kent. In their first home game of the season Worthing had no excuses as their home this year is Arundel FC, where the pitch is flat and large, which will hopefully suit Worthing's passing game. The light drizzle also helped proceedings with the ball fizzing around at pace. Worthing came into the game after a great week of training and with a new 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation felt confident in each other and their abilities. The game however started very evenly with both teams trying to play attractive football. Both teams had chances and Worthing had Kieron Gillard and a post to thank for keeping the scorline level. At the other end Sam Mannings from a counter attack and the forgotten man Alex Staines both had great chances to put Worthing 1 up. The possible turning point of the game just before half time. A Sandwich corner was half cleared and the ball was played back into the area and Gillard seemed to punch the ball back into the danger area and onto the head of the Sandwich number 10 to finish, however the goal was ruled out for a foul on Gillard. Half Time 0-0.

Worthing had a couple of areas to work on for the second half, one of which was to push up the pitch, especially in midfield and this was shown for the first goal. Luke Jearum broke into the area and squared the ball to midfield partner Jordan Clark to break the deadlock. 1-0. This seemed to breathe life into Worthing and they were now extremely confident on the ball. The second goal was not far away and the scorer was Alex Staines, who was working hard as the high point of the Worthing attack and he finished coolly. 2-0. Worthing were really on top now and this was typified by the third. Holding midfield player Jack Carey ran ahead of the attack and was found excellently and finshed with aplomb into the bottom corner. 3-0. Worthing's opponents were now beginning to get on each others backs and this just lead to more opportunities, which were taken. Luke Jearum got in on the act to make it 4-0. Alex Staines scored a well deserved second. 5-0. Skipper Jearum rounded off the scoring with another cool finish to make it 6-0.

At times Worthing played some breathtaking football and created numerous opportunities, which could have been taken if the boys were not trying to walk the ball into the net Arsenal stylie. A prime example of this was another Luke Jearum effort, which was lobbed over the keeper only to hit the bar. Great move.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI were playing their first home game at their new home Worthing United against Amersham and Wycombe. Coach Danny Cullip was again "very impressed" with the teams attitude and desire to get back into the game after coming from 2-0 down and 3-2 down. Worthing's goals came from 2 stonewall penalties, which were converted by Phil Charman and strike partner Paul Jackson also got in on the act with a goal to cap an excellent personal performance. Cullip again praised the team by saying "the boys again did well today. They showed great spirit to come back from 2 down and again created opportunities to win the game. The lads are really developing and beginning to develop as players already, which is a very good sign."

So all in all a good week for the Football Academy and hopefully this will be a stepping stone for all Academy members to develop further as footballers for the rest of the season.

Cheers,

Hallsy