Hallsy's Academy Report - We won't see something like that in a very long time...

After getting off the mark with a professional away performance the Worthing College Football Development Programme 1st XI were full of confidence going into their second league match at National level. The job of coaches Dave Hall and Danny Cullip was to make sure that feet were firmly planted on the floor and for all players concerned to develop upon their previous performance both individually and as a squad.

Training was sharp and intense with all eyes on the prize. The only addition to the squad was Ryan Quirke, who was only not involved in last weeks match at Boreham Wood due to illness. Hall and Cullip decided to go with the same starting 11, which is in line with the programmes’ policy of if you play well you keep the shirt. This game was Worthing’s first home match at this level and Arundel’s Mill Road was a perfect setting and with the pitch in perfect condition all bets were on an entertaining affair. The opponents were AFC Wimbledon, who are linked to Merton College, so the high quality level of opposition continued.

Worthing needed to start sharply and stamp their authority on the game with a high tempo, pass and move philosophy and on this occasion they did just that, with skipper Joe Warner leading from the front, forcing his opposing centre halves into long and inaccurate clearances. Wingers Hayden Hunter and Olly Setchell were dangerous in possession, especially when Dave O’Callaghan was on target with some more impressive long and short passing. With each minute Jon Watkins was growing into the player that Hall and Cullip believe he can be, technically efficient on the ball yet tenacious in the tackle despite his slight frame. O’Callaghan and Watkins were beautifully balanced by Shaun Cook, who was holding his shape well and covered when marauding full backs Lewis Jenkins and Harlem Eubank joined in the ever growing Worthing attacks.

Despite all this pressure for the first part of the first half there were no real clear cut chances for Worthing. A Eubank effort and a couple of cleared Hunter and Setchell crosses were about as close as they got to breaking the deadlock. To their credit the visitors looked dangerous, especially on the break with James Binfield having to save with his legs and Eubank having to intercept a dangerous cross almost breaking the deadlock.

The game needed something special to spark it into life. Step forward Dave O’Callaghan. A driven Jenkins pass was held up superbly by Warner, who laid the ball off to O’Callaghan on the edge of the area and without a thought caressed the ball over the goalkeeper into the far corner of the net. Class. 1-0.

With this Worthing seemed to step it up a gear and took the game to AFC Wimbledon winning the ball high up the pitch to launch attack after attack. Hunter on another day would have found himself through on goal, but his touch deserted him and the chance was gone. At the other end Worthing needed to stay strong and with Matt Chester and Dan Heward commanding the back line the score at the half remained 1-0 to Worthing.

The endeavour and work rate was all there to see and the Worthing players to a man had put in a massive shift, however Hall and Cullip wanted more and expressed this to the players if they were to gain their second three points in as many weeks.

The start of the second half saw something that we probably won’t see again for a very long time. Another piece of class from that lad O’Callaghan. From the kick off inside his own half he drove the ball goalwards and like a rocket it flew into the top corner. 2-0. Cue the Gazza style celebration in the centre circle!

From this piece of genius Worthing needed to stay focused as the next goal of the game would be crucial to decide where the points were going to go. Worthing stood firm with their shape disciplined, which frustrated their opponents, however there were nervy moments with a couple of games of pinball happening in the Worthing penalty area, but to no avail for AFC Wimbledon.

Meanwhile skipper Joe Warner is looking more and more like a central striker with every minute, showing some excellent hold up and link play. This quality led to the killer goal in proceedings. It was that man O’Callaghan who supplied the pass to Warner, who shrugged off his marked and cheekily scooped the ball over the advancing AFC Wimbledon keeper. 3-0.

With that O’Callaghan was removed from play and wrapped in cotton wool until next Wednesday. His replacement was the hard running Sam Gill, who got himself involved in the game early on, but his shot on goal did not hit the target. Worthing were full of confidence and this was evident when full back Lewis Jenkins moved forward into the box and after more good play from Warner his cross was met by Jenkins unmarked, but the result was a great defensive header.

When the full time whistle blew it was visible that the Worthing players believe that they belong at this level, but nothing is achieved over two games, however its great to see the league table with little Worthing College top of ECFA Premier League 1.

Its really great to see the squad beginning to gel, enjoying their football and playing at a high intensity. We know that there will be ups and downs, but if the players continue to work hard and look after their performances the results will look after themselves. Next up sees the 1st XI taking on also unbeaten SEEVIC at Arundel FC, which will be a real indicator of the progress this group of talented young people have made in such a short space of time and I’m sure that they will give a great account of themselves and represent the College with pride.

I’m also looking forward to working with both squads this week as the 2nd XI begin life in the BCS Performance League at home to Kingston (East Preston FC). So it only leaves me to say one last thing...

Onwards & Upwards!

Hallsy