Mens 1st XI v Old Williamsonians

Details	Players
Season: Season 2008-2009 Date: 11.10.2008 Time: 14:30 Team: Mens 1st XI Competition: League Location: Home Opponent: Old Williamsonians Our Score: 4 Opponent Score: 4 Result: Draw	Matt Ansell - 0 Goal(s) Andy Williams - 1 Goal(s) James Godber - 0 Goal(s) Bryan Lock - 0 Goal(s) Chris Binns - 0 Goal(s) David Clayton - 1 Goal(s) Dan Ginnaw - 0 Goal(s) John Massie - 0 Goal(s) Michael Gubbins - 0 Goal(s) David Beales - 0 Goal(s) Craig Paterson - 0 Goal(s) Cirdec Atkinson - 0 Goal(s) Alex Warner - 2 Goal(s)

Match Report(s)

Worthing 4 - Old williamsonians 4.

Scorers: Warner (2) Williams, Clayton.

Despite the pre match discussions that we needed to put away weaker opposition, Worthing produced an all to familiar second half display allowing the travelling Kent team back into the match and ultimately a share of the points.

A slow start to the game gave the visitors an early opportunity which Binns saved dramatically from. Worthing then began to establish themselves with Warner and Massie getting hold of the ball and switching play well between either flanks. Poor first half performances by captain Ansell and vice captain Ginnau caused disruption to Worthings fluency and despite controlling the game the Worthing attack did not gel and flow as it can.

However good play from Williams and Clayton down the right created opportunites and after a trademark ariel from Ansell to forwards Lock and Atkinson, Worthing were awarded a 'P' flick. Warner stepped up put his nerves to one side and slotted home. This was the first 'P' flick Warner has taken since his costly miss in the play off final and therefore it was good to see the ball find the roof of the net.

After Bealse moved into the middle and Worthing introduced Gubbins Worthing looked stronger and after good play from Humphries linking well with Lock Worthing were awarded a short corner. Warner fired an unstoppable drag into the roof of the net. 2-0 and in control Worthing seemed to have imposed themselves sufficently.

Warner will be keeping a close eye on the arrival of the Aussies next week and the potential competition for first choice at short corners. As the game drew towards half time, Old Willies attacked well down the left flank of Worthing's defence creating several opportunities which brought out the best of Binns in the Worthing goal.

However with 5 minutes of the half to play the Old Willies forward turned and struck a viscious shot which found the corner of the Worthing goal. Despite being partially blocked by the Worthing defender, Binns would have hoped to have got to this, perhaps 10 years ago!!

Half time 2-1.

The second half display mistified the spectators and the team alike. At times movement and attacking play was good. At other times the marking and tracking of players was at best mediocre and at its worst school boy standard. However despite these frailties Worthing scored a third. After Clayton had been obsructed on the ball, the umpire allowed the game to play on, Williams reacted faster than anyone and after beating two defenders and driving into the 'D' he buried the ball into the far corner. On another day that goal was worthy of any victory. However Worthing had the gitters and could not finish off their opponents. Instead Old Willies started to impose themselves and created several opportunities resulting in short corners. It was from a short corner strike that Willies got their second goal. The strike took a wicked deflection off Bealse stick sending the ball into the roof of the net..Good goal David!!

Again this seemed to spur Worthing and they showed glimses of what can be achieved. After good work from Ginnau and then a fine pass from Gubbins, David 'secret dad' Clayton skillfully dribbled passed three players in the 'D' and flicked the ball over the oncoming keeper. 4-2 and all seemd fine, Worthing would have accepted the three points with the knowledge that they can play alot better.

Unfortunately Old Willies had other ideas. After Worthing were reduced to 9 players by umpiring decisions, Willies got a grip of the game and drew level. At 4-4 both sides had opportunities to win the game, which neitehr took.

The second half was frustrating for Humphries and Lock who recieved little ball and could not create oppportunities due to lack of quality ball from their midfield. A clear concern and something requiring alot of work in training.

A very disappointing result, and a second half display that must be eradicated from Worthing's team if they are going to achieve promotion this season.

Next week sees the arrival of Joel and Ben from Australia, with Chris Sciandro returning from Spain in the next two weeks competition for places will be fierce and there will be no room for mediocre performances.   

Worthing travel to the depths of Kent next week to their 'bogey team' Herne Bay. It has been many seasons since Worthing have returned from the Bay with 3 points, but given this slip up that is now essential to keep the pace with early leaders Eastbourne and Russets.

MOM - David Clayton

WOW - David Clayton

Binns, Bealse, Godber, Williams, Ginnau, Ansell, Massie, Clayton, Humphries, Lock Gubbins, Warner, Atkinson.