Monday, 24 October 2011

Talk with Tina - 24 hours @ the Worthing College Netball Performance Programme

They talk about a week in football, well its 24hours in netball !

Tuesday night saw the nine girls from academy travel to Brighton to play Whiley Katz in the Brighton Mid Week League, a completely unknown team, with Sarah Uncles travelling with the squad for the first time. The previous two training sessions had been based on defensive play and I was keen to see this put into practice. The girls got off to a flying start, with the defensive work throughout the court working really well, and Katy Finlay and Katie Pearcy converting the majority of shooting opportunities, the 1st quarter ended 16-4 to Worthing. Changes were made at quarter time with Sarah Uncles coming on at C and Emily Begley at GS, it took a little while for the team to settle down but the hard work continued and the defensive pairing of Mele Jackson and Mele Stubbs remained outstanding quarter ending 29-9. Further rotation at half time saw Anna Van Eevelt back at C, Katie Pearcy taking over from Katy Finlay at GS. The game continued pretty much as before with Worthing dominating defensively and accurate shooting third quarter ended 40-12. Mele Jackson and Jodie Beaney came off at three quarter time and Anna Van Eevelt, the versatile player that she is, went in at GD. Concentration was a problem last quarter as the game was well and truly over. Game won 50-19. Three out of Three in the Brighton league and a good nights netball.

Wednesday was the visit of Tautons College, we were aware it was going to be a tough game as they have a number of regional players as well. The game started badly with Tautons converting a turnover and Worthing not getting going for around 8 mins when they were 5 -0 down. We sparked into life briefly pulling the game back to 6 all, before switching off again quarter ending 12-6 Tautons. Unfortunately Vicky Bowles had to leave the court as she had injured a finger and was replaced by Jodie Beaney. The girls were reminded a game was not lost until the end, and they needed to work hard, move onto the ball and take the opportunities presented. If the 1st quarter was poor, the 2nd was even worse with Sarah Uncles sustaining a nasty cut to the knee which meant she had to leave the court and Katie Pearcy turning her ankle. 2nd quarter ended 22-8. The girls were again reminded they were a much better team than they were demonstrating and they need to believe in them selves, and get the game going. Early in the third quarter it became apparent Katie P could not continue so we were down to 6 players, an afternoon one just wanted to end – third quarter ended 31-10. We took Lizzie Hall from the 2nd Team to replace the 3rd injured player and the girls were told to go out and win the last quarter and restore some pride. We lost the last quarter by 1 goal 9-8 however a much better effort. A team talk at the end of the game to face up to our failings, a massive dent to our pride but hopefully the girls will all learn from this. Heads going down result in a negative effect across the whole team, the onus is on the individuals to sort this out.

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Coulson's Chatter - Worthing College Performance XV vs. Christs Hospital XV - Daily Mail Cup

Worthing travelled the short journey to the Horsham to face one of Sussexʼs premier sides
in round 3 of the Daily Mail cup. The visitors started well and it was immediately clear that
they were going to be in the ascendancy if they continued in the manner.

The forwards were winning ball and the backs were a constant threat running wide.
Maslen got Fastnedge and Lyons moving quickly and this made defending impossible for
CH side. It was soon clear that the forward domination was to be the key to allowing the
backs to do their thing. the Worthing mid field was linking up well, while the back three
were a constant threat with the CH giving plenty of opportunity to counter attack. Duffield
stressed his opposite man while Ware was regularly beating the first and second defender
with Pegg linking them brilliantly.

The front row was dominating the scrum and the line out was functioning on the few
occasions it was given chance to do so. Trencher, Short and Mee were working well over
the ball and making the life of the half backs very difficult and Herron and Thompson were
carrying well. So by the end of the first half Pegg crossed and with Fastnedge scoring two
so Worthing 15-0 at the half.

With changes being made at the half Worthing came out and Leeming crossed, more
exciting rugby and there was only going to be one winner. Ware crossed to finish some
good work from the team to make it 25-0 Worthing. OʼNeill, Calleja and Connolly added go
forward in the forward pack and Baker made meters in the midfield with Bath and debutant
Al-Dahimi used footwork to beat defenders at will. Dixon was the last player on and his
energy and speed from the base worried the CH 10 and pressured mistakes constantly.
CH continued to work hard and to their credit scored a try of their own 25-5 Worthing. This
was not good enough for Worthing and they worked the final try very well with good
offloading work Sam Bath was able to score under the posts, Pegg converted for 32-5.

A good result well played all.

Ben

Netball 2nd Team Report - Worthing College vs. Totton College

A shaky start but that was just trying to get to the right place in Totton, in the end we found the courts that were very hidden from view.

Worthing College started off well with some good movement around the court, but it did not last as much as it should and the girls started losing their focus and had the play turned over quite a few times. With some discussion about the turnovers I gave the girls the challenge of playing the 3rd quarter without any turnovers, and this they did but their movement around the court began to lack in areas.

In the 4th quarter Worthing College began to pull all the points together and started to look like a good team with areas to work on and together they will be able to become a stronger team.

The Captain Lizzie Hall was very encouraging to the team throughout the whole match and provided valuable support to all on and off the court.

Laura Joseph was named Players Player by Totton College – well done Laura!

Match Score: Worthing College 33 Totton College 21

Saturday, 8 October 2011

Banter with Bridges - Women's Football U18 1st XI vs. Chichester College U18 1st XI - ESFA National Cup Round 2

Worthing travelled to Chichester in the 2nd round of the ESFA u18’s cup having been given a bye in the 1st round after reaching the Semi-Final of this competition last season. With a warning that they must not drop their standards, and a number of changes to last week’s side, Worthing started brightly quick gaining control of the game. Without causing Chichester any real problems Worthing were enjoying much of the early possession. Chichester were sitting deep and clearing long balls into the Worthing have trying to turn Worthing round and make mistakes by pressing the ball. Worthing coped well with this and continued to build the ball up from the back. A change of shape from 433 to 442 saw an immediate change to the score line as Holly Jacklin and linked up well with her central defenders before sliding the ball to Lucy Somes, Somes just inside the Chichester half put Amy Potkins clean through on goal who calmly slide the ball past the on rushing goal keeper and into the corner of the net. 1-0 Worthing

Back came the had working and well organised Chichester who started to gain more possession in the midfield, the Worthing back four coped with it comfortably restricting Chichester to long range shots at Natalie Woolven in the Worthing goal. Despite Chichester gaining more possession Worthing never looked troubled with their one goal lead. Worthing then doubled their lead with 5 minutes to go when Darcey James up for a corner showed great poise to volley the ball home from 6 yards out after Lucy Somes delivered a pin point cross. 2-0 with half time fast approaching.
Half time 2-0 Worthing and comfortably in control.

The 2nd half started with Worthing again quickly gaining control of the game, passing and moving looking for the third and killer goal. Somes and her midfield partner Izzy ‘Janet’ Burt where running the midfield for Worthing winning all the 1st and 2nd balls before setting up attacks. The midfield battle was intensifying with Chichester’s captain trying to drag her team back into the game but both Burt and Somes stood firm against the battle.

The game was finally killed off when Somes tapped into an empty net after the Chichester goalkeeper let slip a shot from distance, 3-0 Worthing with half an hour to play. Jade Widdows was introduced for the influential Somes, meaning the hard working Jemma Kendall moved inside to central midfield, Potkins moved to right midfield and Widdows went up front. Potkins immediately started causing trouble down the right beating her defending full back at will and delivering dangerous crosses into the box both Aliss Pidduck and Widdows nearly getting on the end of the crosses.

Finally a fourth came when Widdows volleyed the ball past the Chichester goalkeeper from another great cross from Potkins. 4-0 and game over. The game rolled to and end with both sides playing out time.

Scorers: Amy Potkins, Darcey James, Lucy Somes, Jade Widdows

Player of the Match: Izzy Burt dominant in the midfield battle and showed some powerful running both on and off the ball

Coulson's Chatter - Worthing College Performance XV vs. Oaklands College XV

A cooler day than in previous weeks and a light wind to greet the the Worthing side in
Hertford at the Oaklands campus. A large squad consisting of experienced players and
freshers alike went into battle with a competitive and competent Oaklands team.
The first half started with Worthing playing uphill into a light to fair breeze which made
possession key and a good kicking game vital. In the early exchanges the visitors
struggled and conceded first to a good score from the home side. This was converted and
Oaklands took an early 7-0 lead.

Worthing got their hands on the ball and played some good rugby, Cook and Watts made
metres working in the middle part of the field and were supported by Roberts making his
return to the college side. Although no end result was forthcoming due to a poor kicking
game, Worthing not able to get into position to build pressure as good relieving kicks made
yardage down field for the home side at all the right times.

The line out functioned well with stand in Hooker Luke hitting his mark more often than not
and Watts and Reed doing good work. The scrum was solid and provided an attacking
platform for the backs to run from.

A great break in mid field by Fastnedge (A) beating the centre defence stepping from his
left foot (a real collectors item) and drawing the fullback delightfully to put Lyons (T) in for
the five. Parker converted (C) to make it 7-7. Worthing then went on the offensive again
building pressure the result of which was a strong carry on the right hand side of the field
and Luke (T) pumping the legs to cross with a good finish, Parker (C) again converting.
Just before the half Worthing conceded a try which was not converted 14-12 Worthing at
the half.

Changes at the half and a message of ʻGo Forwardʼ took Worthing in to the second period.
A strong start from Worthing playing some excellent rugby using the conditions to their
advantage. Birch (T) benefiting from a good catch and drive Parker hitting the post from
the conversion. Worthing up 19-12 and with the big ʻMoʼ on the team it was really game
on.

Sam bath fielded a high ball and made a strong run into midfield, from this point Pat White
(T) ran a delightful line to score under the posts and Parker added the extras (C). Worthing
up 26-12.

The pressure was now beginning to show and good direction from Leeming at half and
Parker at first five was leading to opportunities across the field.
Lyons (T) completed a good move with the assist from Baker (A). Worthing 31-12 Josh
Bath (T) managed to finish a good team try with the assist from Fastnedge. Unconverted
by Parker Worthing 36-12.

A good effort from the entire squad. Looking forward to reviewing the game on Friday at
7.30am.

Trys: Lyons 2, Birch, Bath J, White P, Luke
Cons: Parker 3
MOM: Cook

Monday, 3 October 2011

Talk with Tina - Worthing College Netball vs. South Downs College

Wednesday saw the Netball Academy take on South Down College in Worthing in glorious sunshine. The 1st team started with shooting partnership of Finlay and Pearcy and defensive partnership of Jackson and Stubbs, centre court of Beaney, Van eevevelt and Bowles. Worthing should have been out of sight by quarter time, however the shooting was not a good as it could have been and the quarter ended 12 – 0. Sarah Uncles came on a quarter time for Vicky bowles, just for 15 mins to ease her back in after an unfortunate bout of Glandular Fever. The defensive pairing of Jackson and Stubbs remained strong however they were disappointed to concede a goal and the second quarter ended 26-1. Emily Begley came on for Katie Finlay and Vicky bowles can back on.part way through the quarter Vicky had to go off with a recurring back injury, which saw Katy Finlay take the WA bib and Jodie Beaney revert to WD. Sarah uncles was desparate to continue playing a part in the game and she came back at three quarter time as a WD with Jodie going off. Game ended 45-7. Excellent defensive partnership which is just getting better game by game.

2nd team had a new look defense with Sophi taking up the GK bib with Vicky Mayne strengthening the 2nd team at WD, Beth Finn at GD. It was an evenly contested game and Worthing played much better than the week before. There is still a lot of work to do, but they were unlucky to lose 20-25.

Tina

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Banter with Bridges - Women's Football 1st XI vs. Chelsea

Worthing College 2-3 Chelsea U19s

On a hot day with a big pitch to play on it was always going to be a tough afternoon for both sides to maintain their quality and discipline thorough-out the match. The 1st half started very evenly with neither side giving much away, keeping their shape and having periods of controlled possession. As the game wore on Chelsea’s obvious quality on the ball started to mean they were able to become more dominate on the ball without creating any chances. Despite having more possession they were unable to hurt the hard working Worthing side who were pressing in groups and winning the ball back high up the pitch.
The 1st real chance of the game fell to Worthing when Becky Simmonds turned well on the half way line and sent Chloe Debase clear through on goal, with the ball bouncing up and the Chelsea keeper rushing out Debaes lobbed the ball over the keeper and saw her shot bounce agonisingly wide. As the half wore on Chelsea where being reduced to long range shots that Natalie Woolven in the Worthing goal was dealing with easily. The best chance of the half again fell to Worthing when Lucy Somes broke into the box and was fouled penalty to Worthing. Danni Lane stepped up and struck the ball to the goalkeeper right who dived that way and made a good initial save before jumping up and making a 2nd brave stop at Lane’s feet again.

0-0 Half Time

The 2nd half started in much the same fashion as the 1st with Chelsea having good possession but not able to break down the Worthing back four. In the 60th minute the deadlock was finally broken when Worthing failed to follow a midfield runner who ran beyond the back four and after a great pass found herself through 1 on 1 with Woolven who was powerless to stop the shot. A second goal soon followed for Chelsea at a free kick was bent into the top corner from 25 yards out on the angle. It looked like this had broken Worthing’s resolve with 25 minutes to play but they dragged themselves back into the game when Amy Potkins calmly placed the ball passed the Chelsea goalkeeper after good work on the left hand side.
2-1 with 15 minutes to go
Chelsea almost immediately scored a 3rd when their left winger beat Woolven to a bouncing ball and lobbed the ball into an empty net 3-1 Chelsea.
Again back came Worthing who scored from a well worked corner routine with Sophie Frost nodding in at the near post after a good deliver from Lusy Somes.
A frantic last 5 minutes ensued with Worthing pushing hard for an equalizer that never came. A good game for both sides who both at times played some good football. Important lessons to be learned by Worthing about holding onto the ball for too long all across the pitch.

Scorers:
Amy Potkins
Sophie Frost

Mike

Ryan's Report - Women's Football 2nd XI vs. Brockenhurst College

Worthing College girls approached the game with large amounts of optimism after an impressive final pre-season win against Chichester University. Their first league game of the season was to be against Brockenhurst College, Brockenhurst came to Worthing off the back of a heavy 7-2 defeat in their first league game. It was clear from the moment they arrived that Brockenhurst were out for revenge and to ready to kick start their season.

After large amounts of sun cream being applied, due to the searing heat, the game started at a heated tempo. Goalkeeper Stacey-Leigh Johnson keeping Worthing in the game for the early parts of the match with some fine saves. After 10 minutes disaster struck, the Brockenhurst number 13 was allowed time to turn, positioned at the edge of the 18 yard box she lashed the ball into the back of the net. Skipper Chloe Lamley roused the troops and Worthing College responded almost immediately. Kirstin MacGregor playing a fine pass splitting the Brockenhurst defence, Aliss Pidduck running onto the ball and coolly slotting the ball in the bottom right hand corner. The game became a very tight affair for the next 10 minutes, both teams defending extremely well, stand out performances from Elisha Evans and Holly Jacklin in central defence keeping the Brockenhurst front line at bay. Worthing where not without chances, good solo efforts from Ashleigh Kirby and Amy Martin whistling just wide of the post. It was clear from the side-lines that something had to give, the pressure mounting on both sides. Unfortunately, it was to be Worthing who fell behind for the second time. An excellent cross from the Brockenhurst left wing was left undefended by the Worthing back line, a goal line scrap followed, the eventual outcome the Brockenhurst striker toe poking the ball into the net. Any other side in the league would of fell foul to crumbling under the disappointment of falling behind again, however, Worthing College are made of stronger stuff, the girls picked their heads up and battled on! Excellent pressing defending from Charlotte Howcroft-Stemp forced a mistake from the Brockenhurst right winger; regaining possession Charlotte slid the ball inside to Emily Hale who played an excellent ball to the feet of Jade Widdows, a setback followed to Ashleigh Kirby who unleashed an almighty left foot that crashed into the top of the next, 2-2! Worthing College looked remarkably sharper and dominated the midfield area. Jade Widdows continued to push alongside the last Brockenhurst defender, with excellent skill Jade beat the offside trap and used her electrifying pace to latch onto through balls from Kirstin MacGregor and Emily Hale bagging herself a hat-trick inside 20 minutes!

Half time – Worthing College 5 v Brockenhurst College 2

Manager Michael Ryan made a few changes at half time; this allowed Jade Widdows, Amy Martin and Emily Hale to recharge their batteries after excellent first half efforts. Two new signings made their debuts in Becky Perry and Vicky Stewart; Becky Perry moving into right back with Captain Chloe Lamley shifting up top to partner Aliss Pidduck, Vicky Stewart took her place between the sticks allowing Stacey to come out onto the field to park herself alongside Kirsten in the centre of the park. Worthing College learnt from the first half that the playmaker for Brockenhurst was the number 13 who had bagged their first goal. The team decided to double up on her in the middle of pitch, restricting space and denying her time to get the ball out of her feet. In true enforcement style Kirstin and Stacey performed excellently and after 10 minutes of the second half the Brockenhurst number 13 drifted out of the game. Super sub Amber Newbury, playing in only her second game for the college, proved why she is establishing herself as a valuable asset to the team by bagging herself another goal, 2 in 2 games for the A level student. Excellent play from the Worthing College midfield allowed Amber to power past the stranded Brockenhurst left back, striding with the ball into the 18 yard box, with the goal at her mercy Amber lashed the ball past the helpless Brockenhurst keeper and widened the margin to 4 goals! 15 minutes into the second half Stacey was hit with a reoccurring hip injury, forcing her to be replaced by jade, with Chloe Lamley now being moved back into the centre of midfield and the familiar partnership of Jade and Aliss being re-established up top. I must include in my report that Chloe Lamley ‘joked’ at half time that she was going to be useless in attack, due to the fact that she ‘’Can’t shoot’’. Now, if Worthing College’s 7th goal is anything to go by this statement is severely false! Play seemed to be quieter between the 60th and 70th minutes; the ball became bogged down in the middle of the park. The match needed a spark to reignite the players, cue Chloe Lamley and her golden right boot. A telegraphed long ball from Elisha found the feet of Chloe 30 yards from goal, with a swift flick of the boot Chloe floated past two Brockenhurst midfield players; Chloe then unleashed an almighty right foot that emulated the great strikes of yesteryears. The ball flew through the air and finished high in the roof of the net, steam issuing from the stitching of the football. After the strike it was to be expected that Worthing College where to experience a lull and this was apparent when tired, sloppy defending resulted in Brockenhurst scoring two consolation goals. With the score at 7-4 with 10 minutes left to play it would have been uncharacteristic of Worthing College not to finish with a bang! It was to be Kirstin who scored a well-deserved effort in the 82nd minute and Aliss closed out the show with a characteristic composed effort in the 85th. Tight, compact defending saw out the final minutes of the game and as the final whistle went Worthing College left the pitch impressive 9 – 4 winners.

After the game the atmosphere was extremely positive, the girls happy, the manager chuffed, the girls sending a statement to the league that they are ready to take on all opposition…. The future looked bright….. Watch this space.


Player of the match – Jade Widdows

Very tough this week with a number of players putting in fine performances, however, with Jade scoring three goals in ruthless fashion she pips it as this week’s player of the match.

Starting Line up

GK – Stacey-Leigh Johnson
RB – Chloe Lamley (Goal)
CB – Elisha Evans
CB – Holly Jacklin
LB – Charlie Howcroft-Stemp
RM – Amy Martin
CM – Kirstin MacGregor(Goal)
CM – Emily Hale
LM – Ashleigh Kirby (Goal)
ST – Alliss Pidduck (2 goals)
ST – Jade Widdows (3 goals)

(Super) Substitutes

1. Amber Newbury (Goal)
2. Becky Perry
3. Vick Stewart

Cheers,

Mike Ryan

Coulson's Chatter - Worthing College Development XV vs. The Weald 1st XV

Worthing U18 Development 29 v Weald 1st XV 24

A very tough and enjoyable encounter for the young and energetic Worthing Development side. The sun was doing its best to raise the temperature above the acceptable but a smattering of trees around the ground allowed those who sought it to find the shade while those that desired the final rays of summer got their wish.

Worthing started confidently building some nice phases of play showing that there was plenty of skill and determination in the side and that talent was not just one side deep in this programme. And neither does it appear the gift of giving penalties away, which seems to be an in built trait that I could well do without experiencing for the entire season.

Be that as it may Worthing did try to get down to the business of playing rugby and were successful in stretching the Weald side on a narrow but lengthy pitch. The pre game changes were putting a little pressure on the visitors as combinations had to be changed although with this being the first run of the season it could be argued that no combinations have been created.

Worthing filed to break down the home side in the early encounters but did come close on a number of occasions. Unfortunately for the boys in blue the larger and more experienced side were beginning to dominate the physical encounters in mid field and made yards with only poor execution from the Weald side saving the visitors.

Worthing’s lack of a kicking game in the early encounters placed pressure on the side to make good decisions and run everything. Colevel- Levene was especially adept at this making meters on more than one occasion being well supported by Wilson and Biagi on his numerous breaks.

After 10mins a Worthing line out in on their own 22m was won then a spill in the midfield was picked up by the home side and run under the posts. 7-0 Weald.
Immediately after this the Green and Golds launched another attack which went round the outside of the Worthing defence and was expertly finished from 40m by the left wing again under the horns and it looked like being a long old day at the office. 14-0 Weald.

This seemed to be the catalyst for Worthing to start playing and play they did. Worthing gained a line out on the Weald 10m line, won well at 2 and drove, Mills made a half break through Post and Guard to give momentum. Thompson broke and dished to Captain Hancorn attacking the horns. A mini maul ensued and Thompson broke against the grain and was held just short, quick ruck ball again allowing Worthing to attack towards the right hand side of the posts. Pestridge was held up by three players but the ball was well secured by Baker and shipped on by the halfback Mills. At this stage Pestridge was guilty of trying to smash through again and cost a try by not putting in the two players outside him, but a silver lining, ball recycled. While slow the ball was secure and the home side had not put enough players on the right hand side leaving just enough space and towards the top end of his effective distance, Mills dived over from 2 meters. The kick was not converted. 14-5 Weald.

By this stage Worthing had gotten themselves into the game but the continued lack of a kicking game placed them under more and more pressure and created pressure. The forwards were working hard but could not gain superiority and the midfield defence was weak at best. Players were continually falling off tackles and this lad directly to the penalty shot at goal for the Green and Golds on 25mins. 17-5 Weald.

Colwell-Levene again ran well on the counter attack beating 4 defender on his most recent run. Thompson was again making meters from the base of the scrum but the support again fell from its feet and good field position was wasted.

A scrum to Worthing at centre field lad to a break by Mullen, C Wilson cleared up and a short arm wrestle between the forward packs was won by the visitors. The ball was moved wide and Ware made an instant impact making meters and taking 3 defenders with him. This created quick ruck ball and Baker put it wide to Thompson, then on to Mullen, he was held up over the line with Wilson open outside him (another overlap blown). Fortunately Mr Goodwin the official brought play back for a penalty directly in front of the posts 5m out. A simple 3points, not for this team, a wide pass to the left wing and Cosgrove was there for 5pts (and 5 to his fantasy score) 17-10 Weald.

Changes at the half and a few words of robust wisdom from the coach made some difference. Worthing making the first score of the 2nd period with some good inter-team play, resulting in a try for Pestridge after some good handling in the backs on quick ruck ball from the forwards. 17-15 Weald.


Credit to the Weald they were up next on the score sheet with a 7 pointer, 24-15 Weald and it looked like the wind had been taken from the sails.

Worthing put 5mins of pressure on resulting in Thompson crossing and Baker converting. 24-22 Weald.

Worthing then created the finest moment of the game turning over in midfield, one quick ruck later and Calleja is dropping the hammer from 35m. T-R-Y, one for the front row 24-27 Worthing with the extras Baker made it 24-29.

At the final whistle Worthing had crept over the line. With the only time they had been in front was after the last score, but thats the best time to be in front, because before you finish first you have to finish.

Fife, Cosgrove and Calleja went well in the front row, Williamson, Rich, Wilson (H) and Lawal worked hard but will need to contribute more if they are to cement a place in the side. The back row was strong Thompson was able to play a loose game owing to the work that Hancon and Connolly did in the tight and around the field. Mills started to get the game going in the latter part of the first and into the second half and his combination with Mullen will be a grower. Bone, Baker, Pestridge as Centres did not fire on all cylinders but did contribute greatly in their own way, although a balance of distribution and destruction must be sought after by Baker and Pestridge if they are to be a real threat. Wilson (C) had a good debut in his first ever rugby game making one tremendous tackle and starting to read the game while his wing partner Biagi had the best game ever for the college, supporting well and making one crunching tackle in the first half. Colwell- Levene was a constant threat from 15 and counter attacked dangerously every time he received the ball. Ware ran hard and fast with the ball keeping the defence honest and stressing his opposite man. While Roberts made good contributions in the second half when he came on.

So a good character building win, showing if you Contest possession, Go forward, Support and build Continuity then you can Build pressure and then you can win. Good effort and Good win to all, see you Friday at 7.30am.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

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