Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 7

Both teams were in cup action this week with the 1st XI taking on South Downs in the ESFA National Cup and the 2nd XI travelling into Mid Sussex for a 2nd round County Cup tie against Thomas Bennett.

The 1st XI went into their tie with South Downs looking to learn from their previous week's reverse at the hands of Mid Kent and the result was an awesome first half display, which saw the hosts 3-0 up at the break.

The game began relatively evenly with both sides looking to play on the hallowed turf that is Worthing United??!! South Downs created the first couple of chances with their centre half just heading over from an outswinging corner being the closest. Shortly after however the home side took the lead. Alex Staines ran onto a short back pass and finished well. 1-0. This goal gave Worthing a huge amount of confidence and the began to pass and move the ball around all areas of the pitch. Worthing quickly doubled the lead when an Ali Giammattei cross found its way to Staines who cheekily flicked the ball over the advancing South Downs goalkeeper. 2-0. The confidence and ability levels were now flowing and chances were coming thick and fast with Sam Mannings, George Dowell, Jordan Clark, Luke Jearum and Staines all having good chances to extend the home sides lead. Thirty minutes had only just passed when Worthing added a third and in hindsight killed the game off. Staines again completed his hat trick with another low excellent finish. 3-0. More chances came with centre half Andy Heward having the best opening, when his free header went wide of the far post. Half time 3-0.

All those watching had certainly had a treat in the first 45 minutes with some of the best football that has been witnessed at the College Academy. However complacency had set in and this affected the second half performance. Even with this Worthing still had numerous chances to extend the lead with Staines, Jack Boxall, another Andy Heward free header and both Sam Mannings and Jordan Clark having great efforts from free kicks all coming close. South Downs also increased their performance levels in the second period and their hard work paid off with 20 minutes to go with their left back attacking the ball at the back post and beating Kieron Gillard in the process. 3-1. Even with their poor second half showing Worthing closed out the game relatively comfortably and will now advance to the 3rd round of the National Cup.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI were continuing their excellent form with an impressive 5-3 victory away at Thomas Bennett in the 2nd round of the County Cup. It again took the lads to fall behind before performing and coming out on top as they were 2-0 down at one point. Special mention must go to striker Paul Jackson, who scored 4 of the goals in this impressive victory. The lads have again showed great character and ability to advance to the next round. Defender Alex Cole rose at the back post to finish the scoring and thus completing a very effective performance.

All in all a great week for the Football Academy, however the lads must continue to take this forward into the rest of the season and if this does happen I'm sure the results will continue to come as they have done in this last half term.

Well done to all players!!

Cheers and have a good half term,

Hallsy