Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 4

Both Football Academy sides came into Week 4 of the Academy programme full of confidence after last week's performances. The 1st XI travelled to Woking for a tricky away fixture in the ECFA League, whilst the 2nd Team visited Crawley school St Wilfrids for a County Cup First Round tie.

The 1st XI knew they were in for a tough game, but spirits were lifted after arriving at the very impressive Knaphill stadium, where the pitch was flat and wide, which would suit Worthing's style of play. The game began at a very fast pace with possession surrendered easily, with both teams being found guilty. Worthing were the first to settle and put in a very mature first half performance by not chasing after the ball and forcing their opponents to play the ball long. Chances were few and far between in the first half, however Worthing created the clearest openings. A fantastic run by George Dowell was only thwarted by an outstretched arm from the home goalkeeper. Wideman Ben Standing was causing all sorts of trouble down the right and his persistence was almost rewarded when after robbing the full back, a slight deflection on his cross ensured that the ball did not reach an inform Alex Staines, but instead the home goalkeeper's grateful hands. Worthing continued to frustrate their Surrey opponents and their work ethic was there for all to see for the opening goal. Ben Standing closed down the centre half and the ball fell kindly to Staines, who produced an accomplished finish. 1-0. Worthing continued this level of performance until the half and definitely deserved their lead at the break.

Worthing knew that their performance levels needed to be the same for the second half as Woking came out of the blocks fast and created a couple of half chances, however Worthing weathered the storm and at times looked comfortable. The turning point of the game came half way through the second half. A routine Woking corner was taken by keeper Kieron Gillard only for the ball to slip out of his grasp on his return to the ground. 1-1. This seemed to wake up Woking a for a ten minute spell they dominated for the first time in the game, however the back four of George Dowell, Andy Heward, Jack Boxall and Ali Giammattei stood firm and put in an excellent performance throughout the 90 minutes keeping the home team at bay. As the game drew to a close the closest Worthing came to winning the game was from a Sam Mannings right foot effort, which hit the outside netting. Full time score 1-1.

All in all a great point away from home and in the first half I have seen that the players are beginning to take responsibility for their own game as they put in a very mature and measured performance. Apart from the back four Ben Standing and Alex Staines impressed, whilst a special mention to skipper Luke Jearum, who after throwing up in the warm up managed to get through the 90 minutes. Well done all!!

The 2nd XI booked their place in the 2nd round of the county cup after coming from behind against St Wilfrids. Worthing were 2-0 down with one coming from the spot and the other a slide rule pass that was not intercepted. However the excellent team spirit again showed through and the difference was the introduction of Ash Beaken as a make shift striker, who put in a very committed performance. Goals came from Zaki Rahman, Tom Taylor, Paul Jackson and Phil Charman to make the final result 4-2 to the visitors. Again a good performance and result from the 2nd XI, however the team need to stop conceding goals before they begin to play, otherwise they may not get the positive results their hard work deserves, especially against the better sides.

Finally I look forward to seeing you all at the Sponsored Walk on Friday!!!

Cheers,

Hallsy