Hallsy's Academy Report - Not one for the neutral but still the right outcome...

The Worthing College Football Performance Programme 1st XI took to the field at Arundel FC full of confidence after two excellent wins in the ECFA Premier League. This confidence however needed to be channelled in the right way if they were to overcome a SEEVIC side, who by reputation always come to the party and have been established at this level for a very long time. Coaches Dave Hall and Danny Cullip knew that this would be a real test to show how far this group of players have come in terms of their development.

Team selection at the moment is simple and consistency is key with all 11 starters deserving their place at kick off time. The bench showed some slight changes due to the 2nd XI match at home to Kingston (called off late). Ryan Fergany and goalkeeper Ben West took their well deserved place on the bench for this encounter.

The match started with SEEVIC pressing Worthing and showing a dynamic shape with their full backs pushing high up the pitch similar to wingers and with this Worthing took time to adjust, but with no real SEEVIC chances of note Worthing as they have done previously began to grow in confidence. Wingers Olly Setchell and Hayden Hunter were mature in their positioning, which allowed them to push back their flying full back opponents. Setchell time after time beat his full back and delivered quality into the box, only for Worthing not to gamble and provide more bodies in the box. This match was tight with both teams trying to get their noses in front and it was Worthing who were creating the more clear cut chances. Shaun Cook drove the ball just over from 25 yards, Lewis Jenkins headed just wide from a Dave O'Callaghan cross and a Dan Heward volley from a well worked O'Callaghan set piece was blocked by an arm, but was not seen by the man in the middle who counts.

Then Worthing really began to turn the screw and the best move of the match almost resulted in the opening goal. Hayden Hunter drove past his full back and played the ball into striker Joe Warner, who let the ball roll through his legs to O'Callaghan who drove into the box. Hunter latched onto his pass only to be clattered by the SEEVIC goalkeeper. The ball squirmed free for Warner, who honestly stayed on his feet and from a tight angle drove the ball goalwards, only for it to strike the post and be cleared to safety. Hunter never recovered from this and was replaced by Ryan Fergany, who made his Worthing College debut and almost made an instant impact. Warner again holding ball up and playing in Jenkins who squared to Fergany only for his strike to be well blocked.

Worthing sensed that it would only be a matter of time before the deadlock was broken and this was true ten minutes before half time. Setchell again with good work down the left combined with full back Harlem Eubank who set up O'Callaghan to cross delightfully for Warner, who followed up after his initial header was saved. 1-0.

Thats how it stayed at half time with Worthing putting in a tremendous shift working hard for each other and keeping a well disciplined shape. This again would need to be true if Worthing were to make it three wins from three. The second half again began tight with both sides looking to play. O'Callaghan was replaced by Ryan Quirke just before the hour to provide fresh legs in the middle of the park with Jon Watkins and Cook taking over the diag responsibilities. Fergany was really enjoying his debut with powerful runs down the right and it was his driven cross that set up another chance for Worthing. Setchell the guilty party this time, side footing wide. Worthing kept up the work rate and continued to press the ball high up the park and this was beginning to tire SEEVIC, who only created one real chance. A header across goal was tipped round the post by Worthing keeper James Binfield to maintain the clean sheet.

With time ticking Worthing wanted to extend their lead and Harlem Eubank almost did this. After an exquisite first touch his 20 yard strike just curved the wrong side of the post. Worthing did extend their lead, but had to wait right until the last minute. Fergany again tormenting the defence was obstructed by the SEEVIC defended, penalty given, defender given a second yellow card for remonstrating with the official. Warner stepped up and blasted the ball past the SEEVIC keeper. 2-0.

With that the final whistle sounded. Another win, a different type of performance, but the group will realise that this was a job well done and maintains their excellent start to the season. All should be proud of their efforts, especially the defensive unit of Eubank, Matt Chester, Heward, Jenkins and Binfield who have shut out three National League teams, but as we say when you don't have the ball you are ALL defending, so keep doing what you are doing and I'm sure we will go close to our targets this season.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy