Another away game today, this time traveling down to Lancing to play Worthing United in the league.

We played each other last season but both teams have undergone a major facelift and new players coming in.

Later kick off but on a lovely 3G with not much give. We set up quite strong with some players missing through injury and availability.

Lathir continued in goal while our back 4 consisted of Charlie, Jack, Ethan and Blu. Middle of the pitch we had Harley, Stan, Cam, Alafy and Freddie O and Stephen up top. Our bench had depth with Liam, Lewis, Zak and Ellis looking to make a difference.

We have been good the past few weeks but a little sluggish off the start. Today was a similar start with the boys sitting deep and seeing what Worthing could muster. Lathir and the back four held strong and saw out any danger.

We got a hold of the ball down the left hand side, Blu playing it into the middle with Cam battling through a challenge, cutting inside and driving forward before playing a dinked through ball into the middle. The defender tried to clear it but missed it and Stephen made a great run in behind, controlled the ball with one touch and finished calmly past the keeper for 0-1.

The game continued to be end to end, with both teams and keepers looking to get involved and Worthing were getting joy with long balls but our defence held strong with Blu leading the line well.

With 16 gone, we were getting a bit more joy and almost scored goal of the season. Cam picked the ball up in a similar area of the pitch, drove inside and took a wicked shot from 35 yards out that beat the keeper, hit the underside of the bar, bounced down and hit the back of the keeper before being cleared. So close!

Worthing got the equaliser on the 33rd minute after a brief switch off at the back. The first ball was cleared and defended well however the follow up we were slow to react and the kiddo hit a right footed shot into the near post.

We came close to scoring again before the half with Harley, Alafy and Stephen all coming close but some good stops from the Worthing Keeper kept it level going into the half.

HT - Worthing Utd - 1 - TD - 1

At the half, the boys knew it was a tough game but knew we had levels to go. If we could find that final pass or final finish we would be on the up. Freddie had come off for Liam in the first half, Ellis on for Alafy and Zak in for Charlie with a shuffle at the back.

We started the second half strong and really pushed for the next goal.

Worthing were defending well and giving us a challenge to break them down.

One of our closest chances came through Stephen as he was set through on goal, however unable to convert the shot while being pulled back when the last man held him back.

As the half went on, there were some tired challenges being put about with Liam getting the majority of them aimed at him including a penalty shout where he was chopped down from behind in the box, running away from goal. Another he was caught late and over the ball leaving him with Several stud marks very high up his inner thigh! Blu caught a sore one just under his shinpad and Zak caught a high boot to the head.
A lot of these were avoidable if the ref had control.

We came close a few more times but ultimately despite nearly 8 minutes of injuries and treatment, the ref blew up the full time whistle after a minute.

FT - Worthing UTD - 1 - TD - 1

A gutsy performance from the lads, who deserved to walk away with more than a point today. Working hard, with a lot of the lads giving 110%. On another day several of the chances are converted and we end up with 3 points. Some lessons to be learnt but again another good performance from the lads before we move onto the County Cup next sunday.

MOTM- Blu M - A brilliant performance at the back from Blu, leading the line, Showing passion, tough tackling and battling even after the knock. Was vocal and gave 110% for his team mates today.