Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 16 Vol 2

The Worthing College Football Academy 1st XI took to the field this week against bottom of the table Sussex Downs Eastbourne knowing that a potential banana skin was only just around the corner, therefore focus was required for the whole 90 minutes, which would definitely be a development on last week's 5-1 win against Woking, where conceding in the last minute was frustrating to many.

With the fixture came an opportunity to "shuffle the pack" to allow all players game time and therefore all important match fitness. Sam Mannings and Ryan Quirke both returned to the fold with Liam "Des" O'Connor and Lee Mottershead waiting in the wings, who were joined by Ollie Setchell, who was continuing his rehabilitation and Nathan Webster.

Coach Dave Hall alerted to the players that a fast start was needed. His prayers were seemed to be answered when only after 20 seconds Dec Jenkins latched onto a Quirke pass and fired the ball past the host keeper. 1-0. Excellent start, but Worthing were put right back in their place as Sussex Downs put together a nice passing move and a number of set pieces to keeper stopper James Fernandes and his defence on guard.

The pitch was extremely sticky, which is the norm for this time of year, but in combination with a light match ball bobbles were aplenty and the game at times was scrappy due to this. However Worthing were clearly the more technically proficient side and with this chances came. Mannings was being a threat on the left and provided many a teasing delivery only for Matt Dodd and Jenkins not to find the killer touch. Worthing also looked dangerous from set plays and the front post run was found on numerous occasions with only a finish lacking. Midway through the half Worthing extended their lead. Jenkins again found himself in the areas and his strike was "sliced" into the top corner. 2-0.

With the lead doubled Worthing should have kicked on from here, but they never seemed to get out of second gear and this led to a half time brief of next goal being key and passing needs to be sharpened. Worthing almost started the second half as they did the first, Mannings this time was denied. Worthing were now into third gear with Dodd, Jordan Clark and newly crowned top goalscorer Joe Warner beginning to pull the strings. However it was Jenkins, who had a hand in the third goal. His cross was diverted home by the Sussex Downs number 3. 3-0.

To develop from last week the back four needed to be on their guard and they stood up admirably. Jack Boxall, Dan Heward, Jack Carey and Lewis Jenkins were playing intelligent football in these conditions. The fourth strike was Jenkins' hat trick, which he has deserved for all his running and work rate. Jenkins smashed home from close range. 4-0.

With the game all but one and with thirty to play it gave a chance for some to rest and others to get minutes. Carey was removed for the returning Setchell, O'Connor replaced Warner, Dec Jenkins left the field for Mottershead and Webster made his bow for Dodd (4 subs made and agreed by referee and both coaches before you say anything!!). Even though the chances were many Worthing still played the effective passing football, but number 5 was from the first route. Another Fernandes bomb was met by Mannings, who stroked the ball home. 5-0. As the game wore on Worthing created many more chances, unfortunately most were wasted. The sixth though was a thing of beauty. A Jordan Clark full volley after a well worked move. 6-0. There was even time for Quirke to do his usual and get on the score sheet with a left foot strike off the post and in. 7-0.

So to conclude a very professional performance that probably didn't really get out of third gear. Credit to the Sussex Downs boys, who battled admirably to the end. Again cannot praise the group highly enough for adding goals to dominant performances (16 in last three games) and with the way they are playing it is a great thing to watch at times and one that ALL involved should be proud of.

Here's to next week...

Onwards & Upwards!!

Hallsy