Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 15 Vol 2

The Worthing College Men's Football Academy 1st XI took to the Mill Road pitch full of confidence after a solid weeks worth of training. However with the razzmatazz of the Worthing Herald photographer taking individual and team shots along with a wounded yet talented Woking side baying for blood, would Worthing lose their focus? Would complacency be their enemy? Only the next 90 minutes would give us that answer!

For the second game running Worthing seemed to yet again start slowly with their opponents taking initiative early on with some dangerous looking crosses into the Worthing penalty area, however luckily for Worthing James Fernandes was not called into action defensively. On the other hand it was Fernandes' attacking qualities that were to break the deadlock. His patience and accuracy led to a huge strike dropping out of the air into midfielder Joe Warner, who cushioned the ball with his head with his first touch and his second touch poke the ball home from a tight angle past the despairing Woking number 1. 1-0.

This gave Worthing the chance to move through the gears and their use of the conditions were outstanding with Warner, Matt Dodd and Jordan Clark showing the way with some exquisite DIAGS. The three forwards were also doing their bit with Lee Mottershead and Liam "Des" O'Connor keeping the width to allow Worthing's expansive game to take place. The tireless Dec Jenkins was also on top form, winning the ball high up the pitch allowing Worthing to attack with more consistency. It was also that man Jenkins who set up the second Worthing goal. His cross shot was toe poked high into the net by Mottershead who had cut in effectively from his flank. 2-0.

Worthing had worked hard to get into this postion, however lapses in concentration could so easily let Woking back into the tie, who showed a massive improvement from the subsequent fixture back in October where Worthing ran out 7-1 victors. This looked less likely as the back four of Lewis Jenkins, Jack Carey, Dan Heward and Jack Boxall were standing firm and being more sensible in possession than last time out against Ravenswood. With the game drawing towards half time the next goal in the game would be crucial and it was Worthing that got it just before the break. Another "bomb" from Fernandes led to Dec Jenkins clipping an inch perfect pass into the path of the on rushing Warner, who flicked the ball past goalkeeper and defender only to be taken down. PENALTY. Clark relinquished penalty taking duties to Warner and he duly responded by placing the ball into the corner of the net. 3-0.

With the score line increased this didn't really alter the half time chat, which was based upon focus and not letting up. The next goal would either bring hope to Woking or place the final nail in the coffin.

Worthing started the half again with purpose and a special mention to O'Connor, who had been ill all week managed to pop up with a well worked fourth goal. A Boxall throw in was flicked on by Dodd, which O'Connor flicked past the defender with one foot and in the same movement placed the ball under the ever frustrated Woking goalkeeper, who thought a foul should have come his way. 4-0.

It looked as if the points were going to be Worthing's, but the foot still needed to pushed to the floor. From this attitude the fifth and arguably one of the goals of the Academy season (hate to say it!!) came to fruition. A move involving Lewis Jenkins, Clark, Boxall, and Dodd led to the latter back heeling the ball into the path of that man Warner, who from 20+ yards our curled the ball first time past the outstretched Woking stopper. 5-0.

From this point it seemed as if Worthing were now full of confidence, however you can be too confident at times (even though its great to watch!!). This riled the opposition and the game began to get a little "naughty" with Woking flying in with late challenges, but to their credit Worthing stood tall and didn't retaliate. The lead could and should have been extended. Lewis Jenkins and Warner combined for Warner to cross for Mottershead to slide home his second, however Warner was deemed to be in an offside position.

As the game was "in the bag" it was time to give all players game time, so Olly Setchell returned for O'Connor, Matt Chester, who also has recovered from injury replaced Dan Heward and Ross Myers replaced Dodd. With the score line it was inevitable that lapses in concentration were going to come, but Worthing needed to keep the sheet clean and "not get slackier" (team joke!!). However in the final minutes this didn't materialise with Woking scoring a mere consulation. The Woking number 11 headed in from close range after being left to roam the penalty area. 5-1.

All in all a much better performance and at times it is a real joy to sit back and watch a team playing with high amounts of ability and skill as well as BEING A TEAM. However when the bigger sides come to town we ALL need to make sure that we play for the WHOLE 90 minutes to make sure that the results look after themselves.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy