Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 3 Vol 2

After two days of preparation both Worthing College Academy Men's Football teams took to field with confidence that performances would look after the results with both sides wanting victories for different reasons. The 1st XI wanted to continue their excellent start to the season against local rivals City College Brighton and the 2nd XI wanted to get their season up and running in their matchup against Watford & Hertswood.

The venue for the 1st XI's encounter was the picturesque setting of Arundel FC, where the sun was shining and the surface was, if a little long, still ideal for passing football. Worthing's opponents from along the coast were going to be a step up from Hextable and John Ruskin in class and the players knew that they had to be up for it from the start.

Coach Dave Hall again rung the changes, which now shows the strength in depth across both squads with Kieron Gillard replacing the unfortunate James Fernandes between the sticks, Jack Boxall replaced Matt Chester at right back and Sam Mannings returned in place of Joe Warner who took a seat in the dugout.

With Fernandes absent Mannings took the armband and it was key that Worthing pressed the ball high from the start, however it took Worthing time to get settled and it was City College, who looked to close down the hosts, who at times were slow to release the ball. A lot of the play was taking place in the mid third of the pitch with both sides creating little goalscoring opportunities. City College seemed to be dangerous from set plays and this was typified when Matt Dodd needed to head the ball away from his own goalline.

However as the half grew Worthing's hard work and concentration began to pay off and their neat passing style was beginning to dominate City's more direct approach. Dodd, Jordan Clark and Mannings began to pull the strings and looked to create chances. Mannings shot wide after beating his man being one of the openings. With the half drawing to a stalemate close both sides could have gone in ahead. First it was the visitors with the tall number 10 heading the ball towards the far stanchion only for Gillard to pluck the ball out of the air. Worthing then responded with the unusually quite Ryan Quirke jinking in and out of defenders only to see his shot brilliantly saved by the City keeper. Worthing continued this mini dominance with Dodd flicking a boot at a Lewis Jenkins free kick, which again was denied by the keeper. 0-0 at the half.

Worthing knew that it hadn't been a quality performance, however the effort and determination was there for all to see and when the quality was to surface this would surely bring the breakthrough. Worthing started the brighter of the second period with nicking the ball high up the pitch and a quicker tempo of passing meant that Worthing were now beginning to dominate a tight game. This dominance was soon to be rewarded when Clark and Dodd combined to switch the play to Quirke, who jinked inside and fed the overlapping Boxall, who then delivered a wicked cross to find Olly Setchell, who poked the ball past the visiting keeper. 1-0.

Worthing were now definitely in the ascendency and City College's direct approach was cut out effectively by the back four of Boxall, Jenkins, Dan Heward and Jack Carey. Worthing were really beginning to turn on the style and this was evident with the second goal, which in the end won the game. A searching Clark pass was picked up by the hard running Lee Mottershead, who after a couple of cheeky stepovers played a one two with the excellent Jenkins and Mottershead's cross found Quirke, who found Setchell and he was clinical from 12 yards. 2-0.

It looked as if this once tight match was turning into a one sided affair with Worthing controlling the pace of the game. Dodd, Clark and Mannings had shots, which only tested the railings behind the goals, but they were still chances created. At the other end Gillard was redundant of any work. However this was to change and turned the game into a nervous affair. The skillful visiting number 10 was allowed to turn and volley the ball from 20 yards past Gillard, who seemed to watch the ball in. 2-1. Worthing though held their nerve and came away from Arundel with an excellent victory, which sees 9 points from 9 being the scores on the doors!

Meanwhile in the lunchtime kick off the 2nd XI took to the field against Watford & Hertswood, who were an unknown quantity as they were a new side to the 2nd XI set up. Worthing put behind them their previous weeks performance, which pleased coach Danny Cullip. Worthing were unfortunately beat 2-0, which on another day could have easily been a point gained with the goals coming from a heavily disputed penalty and a goalkeeping error. Cullip praised the whole squad for their attitude and willingness to develop, but gave special mention to midfielder Ross Myers, defender and skipper Matt Chester and goalkeeper Shaun Butler, who apart from the second goal was excellent.

All in all a very pleasing week in the Men's Football Academy. It is so rewarding when both squads go out and look to play attractive football and get the results their skill and attitude deserves. This however needs to be consistent throughout the season if both squads are to progress in their development. At times it is an absolute joy to watch and I know it won't be long until both squads are winning matches at this high level.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy

Netball Round Up - Week 1

A VERY bumpy start to the new season, new players starting and some players returning for a 2nd year.
We started off slowly and needed to work on passing and defence, the girls were having to work hard to read the game but we ended the quarter on 5 – 4 up.

After a brief chat the girls were to work on their passing, and this did not work as planned. The passing, defence and shooting just was not happening, whatever the girls tried it was not working and Chichester started to match us shot for shot. The 2nd quarter ended on 8 all.

At this point I was trying not to panic and think that there was a big chance that we might lose this game, and we all knew that that was unacceptable and we did not tell Tina that we lost! So with quite a few changes in the 3rd quarter the girls were told to sort out their passing and defence. With Ria Knight playing a great defensive game as GK the rest of the girls needed to up their game and show that they are capable of defending well. AND woohoo finally some good defence work surfaced and the shooting started to go in and we ended the 3rd quarter on 19 – 11 up.

So the plan was go into the 4th continue working hard on the defence and passing but it did not go as well as planned and it fell apart a bit but the girls held on the a win and it finished 22 to Worthing College and 16 to Chichester College.

Players player: Katie Pearcy (Congratulations)

Banter with Bridges - Week 1

Southgate 1 – 4 Worthing College

(Emmerton, Debaes x 2 and Robinson)

Worthing travelled away to Southgate College in North London to face Tottenham’s Under 19’s. After a shaky 1^stfive minutes the new look side started to find their feet against a strong and physical side. Playing against the wind Worthing struggled to get into the game and use their superior pace and fitness against Southgate.

The first chance fell to Lucy Somes who struck a shot wide of the right post from 20 yards out with the goalkeeper a spectator. But despite this Worthing fell behind from the 1^st corner of the game when a mistake by Lauren Binfield dropped a cross at the forwards feet who tapped in the simplest of chances. This then gave Southgate the impetus, with their best player the left winger, who represent Tottenham’s 1^st team, causing problems with her pace and power.

Worthing got themselves back into the game through a well worked move involving Danielle Lane, Lucy Somes and Maddy Emmerton providing the finishing touch sliding the ball into the bottom left corner.

1-1 Half time.

In the 2^nd half Worthing came out with more tempo to their game getting in behind the defence on more regular occasions. After 15 minutes Chloe Debaes was introduced and a re-gig was seen and then proved to be the difference with Debaes scoring the next two goals in quick succession before nearly completing her hat-trick on two occasions. 1 first was a well worked move resulting in Debaes scoring from 20 yards, the 2^nd a tap in after good work from fellow sub Amy Potkins on the right who then squared the ball leaving an open goal for Debaes.

The final game came from a cheeky cheap from Naomi Robinson on her debut to round off a very impressive 2^ndhalf performance against a team linked with a big club like Tottenham.

4-1 Full time

Player of the match Danielle Lane – dealt with the impressive left winger very well and helped create several good opportunities going forward.

Mike

A View from the Zak! - Week 1

A new feature on this blog sees Sports Development apprentice Zaki Rahman report on games around the Academy, beginning with the Men's football 2nd XI.

Worthing College 2^nd XI arrived at Worthing United Football Ground preparing for their first game of the competitive season without main coach Danny Cullip who was absent.

The side was to be led by Tina Price and Zaki Rahman, a pair who are inexperienced in different ways when coaching a football side.

The team turned up and immediately after seeing the other side conversation started to flow about the size of the Kingston players.

Once again this year the Worthing Academy is small in physical presence, yet it did not affect their performance last season.

The team was much changed from last season with only three 2^nd team players left in the side and the squad made up of mainly 1^st years.

Worthing were told to press the ball high up the pitch and win the ball back in Kingston’s half, but this philosophy was not instilled from kick off and Kingston were allowed to settle getting a lot of early possession and chances.

Worthing then conceded a penalty when the Kingston Striker got wrong side of Josh Butler and was taken down. 1 -0 Kingston.

But Worthing responded well just as they have done in previous years, and a quick bit of thinking from Abdoulie Bah with a quick throw in, allowed Dom Stannard to be played through on goal and calmly finish. 1-1.

But Worthing once again conceded this time from a corner, where Gillard was unable to come and claim because of a man marking him and poor marking from Worthing allowed for an easy tap in. Half time 2-1 Kingston.

After a stern talking to about where Worthing were going wrong, they came out in the second half pressing the ball hard and winning it back in Kingston’s half in a new 4-4-2 formation, Worthing looked on top and had a great chance to score with Josh Butler.

But caught on the break Kingston went 3-1 up and this is where poor mental attitude and poor physical fitness got the better of the Worthing side. The were no longer pressing the ball, giving it a way poorly and reverting to a long ball which was never going to work with the Kingston Centre back’s size.

Two more goals were taken well by a Centre Midfielder who ran the game for Kingston and was never really picked up throughout the whole game and Kingston went away worthy winners, Worthing maybe just lucky it wasn’t more than five.

Worthing are not far off being a good side, but attitude, fitness and team work needs to improve for them to beat sides like Kingston who they will come across a lot in this league.

Unlucky, bounce back next week!

Zaki

Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 2 Vol 2

After the confident start last week the Worthing College Football Academy 1st and 2nd XI’s were both in action against south of the capital sides in John Ruskin and Kingston respectively.

The 1st XI saw Dan Heward and Lewis Jenkins both making their debuts in a backline joined by Matt Chester and Jack Carey. Skipper James Fernandes returned between the sticks and also Matt Dodd made his first appearance of the season in the heart of the midfield.

The opposition have changed their venue for the new season, however the pitch was not fairing any better with ruts and stones aplenty for the technically efficient Worthing side to deal with. With this combined with the blustery conditions Worthing were going to be up against it as John Ruskin are a physical and athletic outfit with a direct approach.

Coach Dave Hall warned that if mistakes were made they would be punished at the higher level. Unfortunately his words rung true inside the opening ten minutes. The ball was given away in the midfield, which was pounced upon and allowed the lively striker to finish cooly under the advancing Fernandes. 0-1.

Worthing needed to react well and react well they did. When playing the ball on the floor at pace Worthing were too good for their opponents. Dodd, Jordan Clark and Joe Warner began to run the midfield with neat play and at times impressive diagonal passes. For all of their pressure Worthing didn’t really muster any clear cut chances until the equaliser. Ryan Quirke received an overhit cross from Lee Mottershead and then jinked past his marker and expertly slotted the ball under the advancing corner. 1-1.

This goal seemed to turn the game with Worthing’s high tempo, high pressing strategy rattling their opponents into mistake after mistake. Striker Olly Setchell almost gave Worthing the lead before half time whilst John Ruskin appealed for offside, Setchell screwed his shot towards the far post, which Lee Mottershead couldn’t dispatch.

At half time Worthing were confident with the wind at their backs in the second half. However the word was to make sure that their work rate was consistently high for the remaining forty five minutes and not to get complacent.

Worthing in the past have been on the wrong side of some bad luck over the last few years, however this time lady luck was on their side for their second goal. A ball over the top was latched onto by Setchell and he surprised the host goalkeeper by striking the ball early and into the roof of the net. The luck came as Setchell was two or three yards offside. Happy Days. 2-1.

In the first half Worthing played the conditions excellently. With the wind in their faces they kept the ball on the floor and technically out matched their opponents. The second half saw the wind at their backs and to their credit Worthing kept their discipline and continued with the Academy philosophy of pass and move at pace. Dodd, Clark and Warner were now running the show and with the back four of Carey, Heward, Chester and Jenkins keeping John Ruskin at bay Worthing were now in complete control leaving keeper Fernandes redundant.

For all of this domination a third goal was needed to kill the game Clark tried his best to score sooner rather than later, however his strike towards the far post curled the other way. Matt Dodd also wanted a piece of the action, but he was denied firstly by his wayward shooting and secondly from an excellent block from the host keeper. Those two were involved in the third with Dodd chipping a free kick straight onto the head of Clark just in front of the advancing keeper. 3-1.

With the game supposedly safe John Ruskin did manage a mini break only to be thwarted by the impressive Heward and Carey.

Worthing’s impressive start to the season continues with each player playing their part. It is even more impressive that the Academy ethos has rubbed off onto all of the new members of the squad so quickly, which is massive credit to the new lads, but the old guard have more than played their part in this process by making all feel welcome and setting high standards. Worthing’s start will be tested next week when they come up against City College, who were last years league winners. So that will definitely be a test of how far the squad has come in such a short space of time.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy

Hallsy's Academy Report - Week 1 Vol 2

A new season, a fresh start and greater expectations greeted a young Worthing College Football Academy 1st XI in the league opener against new boys Hextable. The Arundel FC pitch was in immaculate condition and would certainly suit the Worthing College philosophy of pass and move football.

Worthing saw no fewer than 12 newcomers, who were making their ECFA league debuts with only keeper Kieron Gillard, Jack Carey, Jordan Clark and Liam "Des" O'Connor from the "old guard".

Newcomers Hextable looked hungry and big in stature, however the management team of Dave Hall and Danny Cullip were confident that Worthing's technical abilities would shine through. The game began with both sides looking to gain the upper hand and it was the home team who took the initiative with the skillful Ryan Quirke jinking in and out of Hextable defenders only to see his cross blocked and cleared. Hextable were an unknown quantity at this level and took the more direct approach, but with the positioning of Jack Carey, Matt Chester, Pat Kelly and Seb Gerswind across the back four the visitors didn't create anything clear cut.

Meanwhile central striker Olly Setchell was giving as good as he got against two physical and powerful centre halves and this attitude paid off and allowed Setchell to open the scoring after latching onto a through ball and placing the ball in the bottom corner. 1-0.

Worthing were still at times a little too deep, which allowed the visitors to apply pressure, especially in set piece situations, however the towering headed clearances of Jordan Clark, Chester and Carey kept Hextable away from calling Gillard into any notable action. As the half grew on Worthing began to dominate the midfield with Clark combining well with the technically gifted pairing of Joe Warner and Jon Watkins and it was the former who doubled Worthing's lead. Again excellent work from the slippery Quirke ended in his "hospital pass/cross" being smashed into the top corner by Warner. 2-0.

At half time the message was to continue to press the visitors with the next goal crucial. Again the back four of Gerswind, Carey, Chester and Kelly kept the visitors at bay as well as looking comfortable in possession. With the game in control it was now about finishing off the game as a contest and this came as both sides began to tire. Clark received the ball and played a one two with Quirke, which provided a tap in for substitute Judah Langford. 3-0.

As fatigue began to set in Hall and Cullip began to ring the changes with Watkins, Warner and Setchell being replaced by Ross Myers, Langford and Liam "Des" O'Connor. Even with wholesale changes Worthing continued to keep the ball and play an effective passing game. The final goal was fully deserved with Quirke jinking in and out once again, but this time the glory was to be his as the ball was struck into the far corner. 4-0.

To conclude a very professional performance considering as a squad we have only been working together for just over a week. All players should be praised for their attitude and application and I sincerely hope that this continues throughout the season, which will make us competitive at both 1st XI and 2nd XI level.

A season to look forward to I think!!

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy

Dance and Music Celebration July 1 2010

As we near the end of the 2009/10 academic year the final performance evening of the calendar was held at Worthing College to showcase the considerable work of the Dance and Music students. The Dance Company was well represented and a number of our highly talented students performed their work to a large audience.

 

A number of Dance Company students were also presented with their Bronze Arts Awards that they have worked hard to achieve during the Dance Company programme. Visit our Flickr site to see the photo gallery from the event.

 

 

 

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Chichester Uni 2-4 Worthing College

Worthing College Women’s Football travelled to Chichester Uni who have just been promoted to the top league in University football and came away with an impressive win. This was the most impressive performance of the year from the girls with Chloe Debaes scoring a hat-trick and Sofia Bouyi also getting on the score sheet.

In front of a decent crowd Worthing played much the better football playing the ball from side to side at pace and getting joy through the middle as well.

With only 5 players leaving the signs are looking bright for the squad for next year.

Player of the match Chloe Debaes

Goal scorers: Chloe Debaes x 3 and Sofia Bouyi

 

The information contained in this electronic mail message is confidential and is intended for the addressee(s) only.  If you are not the intended recipient of this e mail please notify the originator immediately.  The unauthorised use, disclosure, copying or alteration of this message is strictly forbidden.  Worthing College will not be liable for direct, special, indirect or consequential damages as a result of any virus being passed on, or arising from alteration of the contents of this message by a third party.

Latest Academy Photos

The latest Academy action and celebratory photos have now been put on line. Please take a couple of minutes to look through the Academy of Sport Flickr site, which can be located on the right hand side of this blog.

You have to agree that this season has been another successful one at the Academy, especially with more Academies gaining the National recognition that they truly deserve.

Thanks to all the players for their hard work and dedication this year.

Roll on next year.

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy

Hallsy's Academy Report - Cup Final Edition

After a well earned week's rest both Academy sides were in action. The 1st XI's kick off was moved forward to an 11am kick off so that the Sky Cameras could be at Sussex County HQ, Lancing FC to see the 2nd XI take on Hazelwick School of Crawley in the 2nd XI County Cup Final.

As the season draws to a close all players are starting to feel the strain, which is totally understandable, but credit to all Academy players they are digging in and still looking to play football the right way, which is free flowing passing football that is attractive on the eye. The 1st XI wanted to avenge their early season defeat to Central Sussex and took to the "Home of Football" Worthing United with confidence after their previous 4 game unbeaten run. However Central Sussex were there to spoil the party with at times ugly, yet effective football and with this raced into a two goal lead, which were both down to defensive lapses. 2-0 was the score at half time.

With Worthing looking predictable lethargic in the first half they needed to come out with a spring in their step and spring they did! Worthing were first to everything and were now totally outclassing the Central Sussex midfield with their manager getting more and more irate with every passing minute. Worthing's dominance paid off midway through the second half with a sublime diag from Ali Giammattei finding substitute Chris Churchill, who buried his shot under the advancing goalkeeper. 2-1.

Whilst Worthing were on top they still needed to keep their wits about them and special mention must go to Alex Staines and Andy Heward, who defended excellently often in a two on two situation. Worthing's pressure almost paid off to gain a deserved point when Sam Mannings was adjudged to be in an offside position. Mannings finished a aplomb, but the linesman was there to spoil his moment.

Alas the game finished in favour of the visitors, however I cannot praise the players highly enough for their attitude, work rate and abilities even under extreme physical fatigue with at least half of the squad playing between 40-60 games this season, which surely needs to be looked at in the future to ensure that performance is concentrated into less games, but I admire their love for "playing the game".

Fast forward three hours, with the cameras and crowd in focus it was the turn of Danny Cullip's 2nd XI side to shine in the 2nd XI County Cup Final vs Hazelwick School of Crawley. Preparations for the final were affected slightly with the kick off being brought forward, which stopped the Academy "firm" from getting into the ground until after kick off. The players however were not affected and warmed up looking sharp and focused.

So to the first half. The pitch itself resembled a dust bowl, which definitely affected Worthing's smooth passing style, however the team took the game to their opponents creating the best opportunity of the half, with Thom Taylor's header being well saved by the visiting goalkeeper. 0-0 at the half.

For Worthing to secure their first piece of silverware since Dave Hall's first full year in charge (2007) the players needed to take the game to their opponents with a quicker tempo and possibly a more direct approach. However it was the Crawley based team who began the half sharper and goalkeeper Kieron Gillard, who had been a virtual spectator in the first half was beginning to see more of the ball.

Injuries and nerves were beginning to creep into the Worthing squad with Jack Buchanan being replaced by Paul Jackson and with this reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. This in theory should have put Worthing back into ascendency, but this was quite far from the truth. Step forward Kieron Gillard. The Worthing stopper had to deny Hazelwick twice and with this the game certainly turned. The first save was excellent with his legs after seeming to be wrong footed. However the second was right out of the top drawer. A full stretch save to stop a bullet of a strike finding its way into the top corner, which I had certainly thought was hitting nothing but net.

This seemed to wake up Worthing and the introduction of Andy Herrington to replace the injured Nick Colwell freed up Matt Dodd into his natural central midfield role and with this Worthing broke up the other end and with the pace of front men Paul Jackson and Phil Charman they began to trouble the opposing defenders. Now for the match winner, step forward "sick note" Paul Jackson, who was wrapped up in cotton wool for this game. Charman freed himself down the right, took on the full back and played the ball into the area. Jackson attempted a Cruyff turn, which did its job and beat his defender. As the turn was not clean it fell between Jackson and the goalkeeper, with Jackson reacting the quicker to poke the ball into the corner. 1-0. One that will not trouble the "goal of the month" panel on match of the day, but was extremely important in this tie.

As time wore on nerves were beginning to jangle and a scrappy affair became even scrappier, however as the final whistle blew all the hard work had paid off with Worthing being crowned County Champions at 2nd XI level!

Even though the game was not one for the neutral, the result is what matters and Worthing were deserving of this. I cannot stress enough how proud Danny and myself are of both teams and we are delighted that all your hard work has bared fruit in terms of both National and now County wide recognition.

Action shots can be seen on the Football Academy Facebook site, which is Dave Hall-Football. For a Hazelwick point of view more images can be seen at the following link; http://picasaweb.google.com/baz.holder/6thFormFootball#

Onwards and Upwards,

Hallsy