Match report

A frenetic start to the game, with an experimental starting line up proved costly early on 

Saturday the 1st of October played host to the first round of games in a new season of Men’s hockey and after a punishing pre-season in which captain Atkinson had kindly watched whilst he put his players through parachute assisted fitness drills Worthing & some encouraging if not always fruitful warm up and cup games Worthing men’s where as ready as ever to take up the challenge.

The league selectors seemed to deem it a fitting challenge to place local Sussex rivals Horsham as the first foes on the path and so it was that on a sweltering day we began the league a fresh.

The first few minutes of the Game undoubtedly belonged to Horsham with the team in white springing from the blocks like a coiled snake to attack a new look back line that included the returning Matt Sewell, The Sweltering under all that facial hair Tim Barter and a young player in Jack Symons (who had borne the brunt of said parachute drills) not to mention the always on time Joe Isaac’s.

Alas there was no way through for the well drilled Horsham front line and splendid tackles and saves all around none more so than when Matt Sewell appeared to impersonate a footballer when clearing off the line only to turn and give the umpire a sheepish look.

Worthing began to get a foothold in the game and looking dangerous on the break a flowing move involving S Barter, Atkinson and Woolley ended up with a delightful ball over the static Horsham back line onto which Rob Lowe ran on and really should have done better with an attempted lob. Never the less Worthing continued to attack and a marauding right back in the shape of stalwart James (Sven) Godber slipped a ball into the D which was deflected by Lowe into the path of Atkinson for what appeared a certain goal! Alas however the goalkeeper flung himself to the floor to pull of quite a magnificent save (a theme that would sadly continue throughout the game).

Worthing continued to attack on the break and another one brought a identical ball over the back line but this time it was Lowe feeding Atkinson who although he made it around the last defender and the keeper couldn’t steer a half volley into the net.
After this episode Horsham seemed to realise that they where in a game and swiftly replied with a penetrating drive and pull back to a man who miraculously given the effort of the defence found a yard and deflected the ball past a despairing Issac’s.

Before the half was over there was to be one more attack with Seb Daniels somehow popping up in the opposition D, and in what can only be described as channelling Scrote decided to try a full volley from almost on the base line even though Atkinson had run 40 yards to attempt to help (in truth however he just over hit the pass).

The First 35 minutes passed into the ether and a welcome drinks break was had whilst some advice was given by Captain and the ever-quiet John Massie and refuelled and watered (although not nearly enough) Worthing emerged for the 2nd half with renewed vigour.

Straight from the off Worthing surged forward and won the first in a series of short corners. The best of these was saved by the super strong right wrist (bet he had a busy summer) of the Horsham keeper. Worthing then went on to fashion a fantastic opportunity from a free hit at the top of the Horsham D, Mr Massie took the static ball and fired a pass to the Lowe who running across the keeper managed to get a strong touch only to find that once again the Horsham goalie was equal to the effort saving well with his feet.

This period of pressure sadly was not to last and from a disputed free hit the Horsham team drove a disputed 5 yards into the Worthing D to scramble a 2nd and give themselves a commanding lead.

Whether it was the injustice of the goal, superior fitness or just a sheer bloody mindedness not to lose to the old enemy Worthing regrouped and straight from the off went on the attack. The pressure was relentless and multiple short corners forced from which Worthing got the goal their efforts so richly deserved! It came in the form of a broken short corner routine that feel to Lowe who managed to jink his way through players and bury a low reverse into the Horsham net.
The goal further spurred Worthing on and more short corners came and went till the moment that one was finally injected and stopped correctly and Atkinson powered a drag flick low and to the left of the keeper (trying to imitate Ashley Jackson). Once Worthing had fought back to 2-2 only 1 team looked like winning. Horsham threw men forward like a wave breaking on a bay to no effect even when the back line was forced to reshuffle after Matt Sewell’s ever dependable Cramp reared its ugly head. Time and time again Worthing broke with both Atkinson and Daniels going close to a winner. Possibly the best chance however as always fell in the last few seconds of the game when Atkinson fed Wooley who was still full of running after 70 punishing minutes in the sun attempted to set up Lowe but his pass was just out of reach and went off the Pitch. Almost from the restart the game was over and Worthing had gained their first point of the season and bettered their record against a team that took all 6 points against them last term.

Team: Jo Isaacs, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, James Godber, John Massie, Stuart Barter, Andy Moore, Ellis Woolley, Rob Lowe (1 Goal), Cirdec Atkinson (1 Goal), James Cook, Seb Daniels ]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:25:59 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-sevenoaks-mens-2nd-xi-4.html#match_report_300 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI            4          Sevenoaks 2^nd XI         2

Submitted By: Rob Lowe

After an encouraging week 1 performance against a Horsham side that have aspirations of promotion Worthing embarked on their 1st home league game of the season. On a changeable Saturday afternoon Worthing welcomed Sevenoaks to St Andrews.
The game got underway and as has happened the previous week Worthing found themselves under pressure from the off as a consequence of speedy forwards and some haphazard pressing. A pass was played down the inside right channel of the pitch and off went the Sevenoaks winger like a whippet after a hare. Thankfully a great combination Matt Sewell and James Godber averted any danger much to the relief of the crowd.
The next few exchanges was cut and thrust both ways with both sides showing attacking promise. The first breakthrough and first goal of the game came in the same attack. Sevenoaks penetrated the Worthing D and won a short corner, which they calmly converted with a left post deflection.
The first half wore on with Worthing struggling to assert any dominance and Sevenoaks merely struggling. Time and again the final ball let Worthing down with all of the front line managing to play passes they were a little “to jazzy”. The best Worthing move in this period came when Atkinson received a pass from Jack Symons at left back (running noticeably more freely without 3 parachutes stuck to him). Atkinson then proceeded to bundle his way through a challenge or two and found himself free at the top of the D. Now I am sure you are all expecting me to say that he crashed the ball like a thunderbolt past the Sevenoaks goalie! Sadly (and somewhat shockingly) this wasn’t the case. Atkinson played the ball under his arm to Wooley who through either bad luck or sheer surprise was unable to turn it in.
After this chance Worthing went back to the same pattern with both Lowe and then Cook consistently beating the Sevenoaks left back (not that this was hard considering he had a turning circle the titanic would have been proud of and is believed to have beeped when running backwards) yet still the final ball eluded them. That is until after a quick switch of play that involved all the midfield Wooley crossed for Cook to even up the score and open his account for the season.

Worthing went into half time at 1-1 and failing to understand how they had been so inconsistent in the first 35 minutes and after some refreshments and a pep talk from Atkinson they went out once more to do battle.
Frustratingly for Worthing the 2nd half started much like the first with a Sevenoaks attack and goal. The goal came from a quick Sevenoaks break down the left wing followed by a crash ball to the back post for a simple tap in.

Whether it was frustration, anger or just sheer dread of fitness training after a loss Worthing found there gear after the goal and started to pressure Sevenoaks almost relentlessly for a period of 10 minutes or more. Time and again chances where created and either flashed wide, bought fabulous saves from the keeper or in Atkinson’s case went off the sideline for a free hit. Atkinson was soon to find redemption with the equalising Worthing goal after good approach play down the left the ball was centred for Wooley who had the presence of mind to hold off the defender behind him and lay it back for Atkinson to slot home from 7 yards.

From the restart Worthing continued to pressure the Sevenoaks defence and they dutifully kept coughing up the ball, but as before the finishing standards of Worthing were not what they needed to be and several more chances once again just eluded sticks in the D.
With the game wearing on and Worthing still seemingly dominant and the Sevenoaks attack about as potent as a Nick Clegg speech the game seemed to be tip toeing towards a draw. That was until Atkinson received the ball in the left wing position jinked and juked his way through a challenge and unleashed a shot that finally evaded the diving Sevenoaks keeper to nestle in the goal and bring the score to 3-2. It is worth mentioning that after this goal Atkinson’s celebration included a wide circle back to half way where he promptly collapsed and sent on cook in his place.

The final 5 or so minutes where once more constant Worthing pressure as they went in search of the goal to kill the game and make the points safe. The ball was kept quite comfortably in order to see out time but with the last attack of the game a short corner was drawn from a Sevenoaks defender. With Atkinson off the pitch it was decided to use a variation that had been practiced the Tuesday before with great success so once the ball was injected and stopped it was switched to Stuart Barter at left slip to gather and flick past the Sevenoaks keeper with great venom.
And so the game ended in a 4-2 score-line that will more than keep Worthing happy and with the knowledge when they can translate a strong second half into a great 70 minutes they will have a great shot at having a cracking season.

Joe Isaacs, James Goober, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, John Massie, Stuart Barter (1 Goal), Andy Moore, James Cook (1 Goal), Cirdec Atkinson (2 Goals), Rob Lowe, Ellis Wooley, Seb Daniels]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:08:36 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-sutton-valence-mens-1st-xi-4.html#match_report_307 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI            0        Sutton Valence 1^st XI            4

This report starts at the joyous time of 9am on Saturday the 15th of October when the men’s 1st 11 assembled (well mostly assembled) at Georgia Avenue for the long drive to Maidstone. We should have had an inkling after half of Stuart Barters car came off on the way through clacket but alas at this point Worthing where still on a high and confident after 1 win and a credible draw to open there season.

The day didn’t start well, even in the warm up the balls where forgotten and John Massie by his own admission giving himself a great shot at WOW failed to remember his astro’s!

If that was bad then the game would surely be a good! Well for the first 10 minutes this was the case Worthing came out of the blocks with great speed and controlled the ball (please make note you wont be hearing that sentence again). So much so that the first chance of the game fell to Captain Atkinson who robbed the Valance centre back sold the keeper only to proceed to flick wide of the net! Afterward he would be heard bemoaning his luck and thinking he should have taken the head off the defender on the line!

Sadly after this moment there is not a lot more action in the Sutton Valance D such was the dominance of a team who could clearly play against a team who for some reason couldn’t get going. The first goal came from a neatly worked short corner mid way through the 1st half, as did the second just before half time. Between these 2 incidents Worthing had 2 moments to savour and 1 to forget. Joe Issac’s quite possibly grew extra arms and legs to keep out Valance shots and Tim (Obi Wan) Barter literally playing keepy uppie on his goal line when stopping a short corner on the left post. The one to forget came courteously of Stuart (The Butcher) Barter with a Scythe tackle that Conan would have been proud of which sadly earned him a yellow card.

At Half time Worthing attempted as they had in the previous two weeks to rally together and have a barn storming 2nd half. That plan however ended when Valance scored their 3rd goal and killer goal shortly after the break from yet another short corner! Worthing tried in vain to actually string 2 passes together and as the game wore on it became increasingly obvious that there was simple no way back for us.
Valance rounded off a comfortable win with a nicely worked pass and deflection past Joe (who I may add is the only member of the squad to come through Saturday with reputation intact) to make the final score a comfortable 0-4.

Worthing were understandably upset with Matt Sewell feeling the need to check if Atkinson would in face be driving him home after walking off saying ill see you all Tuesday after the post game warm down!
Regardless of the first loss Worthing have made a good start to the year and will train hard to be prepared to beat Old Williamsonians on Saturday at St Andrews.

Team: Joe Isaacs, James Goober, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, John Massie, Stuart Barter, Andy Moore, James Cook, Cirdec Atkinson, Rob Lowe, Ellis Wooley, Seb Daniels]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:05:11 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-old-williamsonians-mens-1st-xi.html#match_report_313 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI            6               Old Williamsonians             2

Submitted By: Rob Lowe

After the disappointment of a first loss of the season away to Sutton Valance a determined Worthing side met on a warm and sunny October morning to take on the travelling Old Williamsonians. This game last year produced over the 2 legs no fewer that 12 goals so it promised to be a scoring affair.
Unlike previous weeks Worthing started on the front foot, building well from the back and retaining possession they pestered and frustrated the Old Williamsonians defence with a strong press in attack.
The first talking point of the game came when after good work down the left Ellis Wooley won a short corner. Worthing went with there number 1 routine with Atkinson flicking from the stop. The outcome was not quite as desired however with an incredibly keen defender taking a flick directly to the knee which floored him for several minutes. During this time Atkinson graciously helped him off the pitch after all his mates had left him lying in a lump (nice to see team spirit alive and well isn’t it!).
After this incident the first goal of the game was to materialise a short corner was again won from wide with Lowe being stopped in the D by a Old Williamsonians foot and once again a flick was opted for except this time no injury was cause to anything but the Old Williamsonians defect with Atkinson powering the ball to the bottom corner for 1-0. From the restart Worthing continued to press men forward and following a sublime aerial ball

from Symons at left back was taken and control by Atkinson. Atkinson took one look and sent what appeared to be a bullet racing towards Lowe in the centre to (with his eyes closed and wishing he had a box on) deflect into the goal to make the score 2-0.
Sadly for Worthing the game at that moment turned for a period with Old Williamsonians moving against the back line of Worthing en masse! During this period they won a short corner that was converted with a slick drag to the post that left the Worthing defence and keeper Isaacs with no chance of rescuing the situation.

Worthing clearly frustrated by leaking a goal then went on to produce one of the moves of the match. The ball was switched all the way through the midfield into the path of Symons who sent Wooley away behind the right back and at full stretch he just beat the on rushing goal keeper to play in Lowe who readjusted to put away his second of the game and bring the result to 3-1.

Once again OW (yes I got bored of writing Old Williamsonians) reacted to the goal and for the next 10 minutes Worthing took not only a breather but appeared to stop and have a cuppa and chat!! Time and again the ball was given away cheaply and time and again OW attacked with little bite! The best chance fell from a Short Corner that was batted away by Matt Sewell doing his best KP impression on the Worthing Line.

Worthing for once went into half time in the lead and yet somehow still managed to draw words of motivation from Atkinson along the lines of “Calm down, screw you heads on and lets WIN”.

The second half started as the first had ended with OW on the attack and Worthing doing their best rabbit in headlights impressions. The best OW attack was a reverse that Tim (once again Obi Wan) Barter took off the line on the run. Sadly this effort was in vain as OW pinched the most scrappy of goals, the ball was thumped in to the Worthing D somehow evaded all sticks and tackles to end up at the back post for the OW forward to tap in.
Needless to say conceding a scrappy goal brought Worthing to life and their obvious pace and fitness started to show through.
Worthing sent wave after wave of attacks against the OW back line and picked off clearances at will in the midfield, the pressure finally paid off when after collecting a pass from T Barter on one of his forays forward turned and somehow made his way into the D avoiding the challenges of a few defenders to then reverse flick to Atkinson who with a deft turn smashed the ball into the net to make the score 4-2. Worthing then had another golden chance, Wooley from a sideline ball spotted Lowe running through the middle and picked him out with a defence splitting aerial ball which Lowe controlled beat the keeper only to see his shot cannon off the outside of the post.

After this point OW attacked again and after a period of sustained pressure forced a short corner from Barter who was shown the yellow card to make it a Brace in 2 weeks for the Barter Brothers. Thankfully this corner came to nothing but it did leave Worthing a man down for 5 of the final 9 minutes.
After a quick reshuffle the game continued and Worthing defended stoutly to a man, and much to the certain surprised of the OW team continued to cause problems with their pace and determination. In fact in this period Worthing plundered themselves 2 goals from quick breaks the first with Cook and Atkinson combining for Atkinson’s 3rd of the game and the last coming just before the end when Lowe fed Daniels to score not only his first of the season but his first for the 1st 11.
A good win for the Men’s 1st team and an important 3 points at home to keep their 100% record at St Andrews intact. Next on to Brighton in the league and a game that is always hard fought!

Team: Joe Isaacs, James Goober, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, John Massie, Andy Moore, James Cook, Cirdec Atkinson (3 Goal), Rob Lowe (2 Goals), Ellis Wooley, Seb Daniels (1 Goal)]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:11:59 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-old-williamsonians-mens-1st-xi-1.html#match_report_365 frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:56 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-brighton-mens-2nd-xi-2.html#match_report_316 Worthing Men's 1^st XI            1         Brighton Men's 2nd XI  2

Submitted By: Rob Lowe

After the week before with Worthing securing their second win of the season, Worthing went in search of their first away win of the season. This quest began upon the hills of Falmer across from the mighty Amex stadium. Well sort of started as the Worthing team where forced to wait whilst Brighton Ladies slugged it out with Lewes (sometimes literally).

Once the game finally got underway Worthing handed a Brighton a chance in the first seconds with Barter being robbed just outside the D only for Brighton’s centre half to flash wide. Worthing after this once again started with a flourish, moving the ball well and finding ways through midfield into the front line.

This pressing and passing game presented the first chance of the game when Lowe having robbed a Brighton player on the half way line went on a slalom run towards the goal, sidestepping a challenge Lowe played in Atkinson who controlled turned and attempted a reverse shot which the keeper did well to save. Atkinson would later apologise for going for the shot but in truth any striker would have been all over it.
Brighton had started to gain a foothold in the game with Worthing as a unit being generally 2nd to the ball across the pitch and the frustration starting to show in their play, to try about this time of the game Worthing reintroduced to the frame Bejay Ranger (not a porn star). Ranger who played for Worthing many years ago before taking in Lewes,

Richmond only recently moved back and is more than welcome. Worthing rallied and then took the lead when Massie smashed a free hit into the D where it was nicely controlled by the Brighton centre back into the path of Lowe who flicked into the side netting to give Worthing a 1 nil lead.
Brighton however wouldn’t simply roll over and in Halloween style become the lamb to the slaughter and continued to weave nice passes through the Worthing defence only stopped by some great saves once again Isaacs and defending of the highest calibre. Sadly however even this could not turn the weight of pressure and Brighton drew a short corner that following a switch to the left ended up nestled in the bottom of the goal to bring the scores to 1-1.
After the restart Brighton continued to pressure the Worthing goal and just before half time got the breakthrough they wanted when Worthing failed to track a runner and a shot was cracked into the bottom of the goal with venom.

Half time came and went and the teams traded punches with each other for most of the opening sections of the second half with neither team getting inside the guard to land a telling blow. Worthing where once again showing superior fitness and continued to pressure the Brighton players to such a degree that they resorted to bully boy tactics such as seeing how high in the air Ellis could go and pushing Atkinson into a fence. Worthing not rocked by this continued to play and just as Brighton appeared to have run down time Lowe received a ball from the back controlled and was once again fouled by the Brighton defenders to bring a Short corner in the dying seconds of the game.

The first attempt was a powerful flick that the keeper deciding to get into the action managed to divert right into Ellis’s face for another short. Now here is where the fireworks begin! The ball was stopped and switched left to Ranger who fired his shot towards goal. The shot took a deflection off a Brighton stick and hit just above the backboard. As Worthing celebrated a well-earned draw their attention was drawn to the umpires. Amazingly they had failed to see what even the great Stevie Wonder couldn’t have missed that the ball had been deflected in and had in fact given a 16-yard hit to Brighton. Now after a hissy fit or 2 (you know who you are) and the whole team imploring the umpires to consult the goal was not given and Worthing succumbed to their second loss of the season.

All in all a bad result for the team but a welcome return for Ranger and now onto Herne Bay and a big game.

Team: Joe Isaacs (GK), James Godber, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, Ellis Wooley, John Massie, Seb Daniels, Rob Lowe (1 Goal), Cirdec Atkinson, James Cook, Andy Moore, Bejay Ranger]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:11:04 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-herne-bay-mens-1st-xi-2.html#match_report_322 Worthing Men's 1^st XI            5        Herne Bay Men's 1^st XI            2

Submitted By; Rob Lowe

As the early afternoon dawned over St Andrews on VP day and having watched the ladies 1st 11 comfortably dispatch a Crawley team the Men’s 1st team took to the field looking to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to Brighton with a win. Herne Bay had caused problems in the encounters last season and where expected to put up tough opposition.

The game started as has become the tradition with Worthing this season fast and loose with both sides attacking and finding defences in fine form. The ball seemingly with a mind of its own flying off sticks left, right and centre providing quite a challenge.

Worthing arguably had the better of the opening exchanges and took a early lead. An aerial ball dropped onto Lowe from Tim Barter was controlled and dribbled (more by luck than judgement) through 2 challenges before Lowe played the ball inside the full back to Wooley steaming like a train from a station through on goal. Wooley committed the keeper who virtually took his legs away with the corresponding tackle to give Worthing a flick. Atkinson stepped up to flick straight down the middle as the keeper had dived before a whistle was blown to make the score 1-0 to Worthing.
Spurred on by this goal a the support of the crowd at St Andrews Worthing soon found themselves on the attack again, Atkinson drove through several challenges towards the D. Just before he was felled by a particularly clumsy challenge he released the ball to Lowe who centred for a diving Wooley to score his first of the season.
Unfortunately in what has also become somewhat of a habit Worthing conceded quickly from the restart. Herne Bay pushed men forward onto the defence and a free hit was given, whilst all of Worthing stood watching a quick hit was powered into the D and onto a waiting and grateful stick to be deflected past a despairing Isaac’s.
There was time for one final piece of action and indeed goal before the half time whistle. Atkinson for some reason finding himself in a defensive position launched an aerial ball deep into the Herne Bay Half, running onto the pass Lowe gently nudged aside a defender before beating another. The ball then rolled into the path of Daniels who struck (much to his own surprise as much as anyone’s) a perfect shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
The game ebbed and flowed from this point forward with both sides playing scrappy hockey until the half time break was called. Sadly this was not before Tim Barter had received a nasty ball to the face from a rather over zealous free hit (thankfully he is alright and no brain cells died in the incident)
Worthing emerged chomping at the bit to finish the game off after the interval and perhaps this drive was to be their undoing with Herne Bay quickly winning and converting a short corner routine. Isaacs made a good save from the initial flick only to see the ball fall to the oppositions centre forward whose rather scuffed effort evaded Symons on the post to nestle in the side of the goal.
After this it became all about Worthing, time and again they surged on the counter attack with Lowe and Cook having a field day with their respective opponents. Short corners came and short corners went (straight at the keeper that is) until clearly grumpy from previous efforts Atkinson power a short straight under the body of the keeper and into the goal to restore Worthing’s 2 goal advantage.
Worthing continued to press and create chances, hitting Herne bay more and more on the break as the half wore on without ever really finding the killer pass. Cook, Lowe and Atkinson each had chances and found a combination of serious luck and good goalkeeping blocking their way. That is until the Herne bay defences luck was finally broken. A flowing move involving Cook and Moore down the left ended with the ball being spread to Daniels on the right, he drove at the D and smashed a pass to Lowe who running across the goal keeper deflected the ball off his reverse stick off the inside of the post to make the score 5-2.
By this point Worthing decided that it would be sensible to see the game out and started to play a half court press. This frustrated their opponents who found it extremely difficult to find a forward pass and as such kept going sideways and not much else. Ultimately the whistle was blown and Worthing maintained their 100% record at fortress St Andrews

Team: Joe Isaacs, James Godber, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, Ellis Wooley (1 Goal), John Massie, Seb Daniels (1 Goal), Rob Lowe (1 Goal), Cirdec Atkinson (2 Goals), James Cook, Andy Moore]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:33:05 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-bbhc-mens-1st-xi-2.html#match_report_326 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI            6     BBHC Men’s 1^st XI         6

Submitted By: Cirdec Atkinson

A freshly laid pitch looked ominous from the offing with the pitch resembling more of a green grocers stall than a hockey pitch, however after the warm up it seemed to play better than it looked.

An explosive start to the game from Worthing saw early chances from Wooley, Lowe and Cooke narrowly missed, frustration building a lack of concentration led to two quick goals for BBHC completely against the run of play.

Regrouping for the last 10 mins of the first half a well worked move down the left and switched to the right left Lowe clear in the D to smash home the opener for Worthing, now well on the front foot again sustained pressure led to a serious of short corners and chances, culminating in Woolley converting from a short corner rebound (guy on the line new nothing about the save mossy git!!)

A few positive but stern words at halftime and Worthing began the second half as they had begun and ended the first half a neat passing move down the left wing resulting in Ranger putting Atkinson through to smash home on the reverse.

With the same tempo and pattern as the first half Worthing began to over commit and a few interesting decisions throughout the half led to BBHC equalising and taking the lead in the space of 10 mins, seemingly Worthing dead and buried at 5-3 down with 15 mins to go, the BBHC keeper pulling of a string of miraculous saves from Atkinson flicks and other open play chances, however continued pressure and commitment from Worthing brought about the fourth goal with Lowe telepathically giving an under arm pass for Atkinson to sweep the ball in to the roof of the net for the fourth.

Another interesting decision (I believe the coaching manual refers to it as a clean tackle) resulted in a sixth goal for BBHC again completely against the run of play indeed i think BBHC had 8-10 shots in the entire game.

Two goals down again and Worthing rallied with vigour forcing BBHC to camp in their own half, a well subtle pass in to the D from Atkinson (he felt that one!) led to a much needed penalty corner which Atkinson via the No1 Runners stick rifled in to the roof of the net, now completely dominant Worthing piled forward, a quick inter change of passes and a drop of the should and Atkinson chipped a perfect reverse stick pass outside the far post for Ranger to "LEGALLY" deflect to net his first Worthing Goal in 13 years!

Strong spirit boys but defend like that again and we will continue to struggle.

Teams: Joe Isaacs, Sam Gill, James Godber, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, John Massie, Seb Daniels, Ellis Woolley (1 Goal), James Cook, Rob Lowe (1 Goal), Cirdec Atkinson (3 Goals), Bejay Ranger (1 Goal)]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:43:54 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-holcombe-mens-2nd-xi-4.html#match_report_337 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI            2       Holcombe Men’s 2^nd XI    2

Submitted By: Rob Lowe

After Worthing’s first home loss of the season against Marden the previous week the Men’s 1sts travelled to Holcombe looking to bounce back to winning ways. Holcombe who are always strong at home owing in no small part to their habit of dropping national league players on Saturdays.
The game started with each team testing and probing them for weakness. Worthing had the better of the opening exchanges with the ball being moved well from the back line into midfield and the pace of the front 3 causing problems.
Holcombe came back into the game and fashioned a couple of good chances with Isaacs in the Worthing goal pulling off a couple of good saves with his gloves.
Worthing had a number of chances before taking the lead with the best being a chance whacked over the bar by Atkinson. The goal eventually came when a good passing move was picked up in the D by Stuart Barter who after a need 121 with Lowe had the ball picked off his stick by Atkinson only for Wooley to “make sure” from half a yard out.
Almost straight from the restart Holcombe went on the attack and scored, a slick passing move ended a Holcombe player slotting the ball past Issac’s to bring the score level. Half time came and went with both sides creating and missing chances the best of which being a drag flick that struck the upright. With about 10

minutes to play Worthing took the lead through Atkinson, a ball switched through the middle found Cook on the right wing who hit the ball towards goal for Atkinson to deflect past the on rushing keeper for 2-1.
Worthing looked like holding onto the lead until in the last minute a monster aerial was launched from the Holcombe back line evading the Worthing back line to be touched in by a Holcombe player in what will be one of the most bizarre goals seen this season.

Team: Joe Isaacs, James Godber, Tim Barter, Matt Sewell, Jack Symons, Ellis Wooley (1 Goal), John Massie, Seb Daniels, Rob Lowe, Cirdec Atkinson (1 Goal), James Cook, Andy Moore]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:37:50 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-tulse-hill-dulwich-mens-1st-xi.html#match_report_314 Worthing Men’s 1^st XI   1              Tulse Hill & Dulwich 1^st 4

On a Sunday Morning Worthing met early doors after a heavy night for most of the squad for a trip off to London to face a team that not only have been in the league above for a while but also had aspirations of promotion.

Worthing welcomed back a few old and not totally happy faces in Ski and Callum so the day was set up well.

Upon navigating the recesses of London Worthing arrived at the home of T&D ready if not raring to go and after a delay due to umpires getting lost and replaced started their second game of the weekend.
Worthing started well and seemed to surprise the opposition with their pace and ability to retain possession. Worthing had the better of the opening exchanges with Wooley (playing out of position at left inner) tormenting his defender. It was from one of his breaks that Worthing scored the opener; Wooley stole the ball and fed Lowe who stood up his man and played the ball to Atkinson to smash past the keeper into the bottom corner of the T&D net.

This was the pattern for the majority of the 1st half of the game with Worthing absorbing pressure and breaking at pace towards the T&D back line a few chances came and went with the best chance falling to Atkinson after a touch thorough from Lowe who may have slightly put to much on the touch for Atkinson to be able to turn it into the net.
Worthing defended well for the remainder of the half and sadly just before half time D&T won a free hit on the top of the 25. In the ball came and a deflection was made just inside the D that somehow managed to creep past the out stretched stick of Isaacs.

The second half started and Worthing once more went on the attack with Lowe & James (nose bleed) Godber making inroads down the left and drawing foul after foul from the left back. The first meaningful moment of the 2nd half started with Lowe beating a man with a chip and run on the Worthing 25 then beating another and accelerating on the half way line towards the opposition 25. Once inside the 25 Lowe (by now having a minor heart attack) cut across the defender to draw the inevitable foul for a short corner.
This short corner was one of the major turning points of the game, Wooley & Lowe executed a perfect short corner routine and Atkinson powered a flick into the bottom corner of the goal. Unbelievably the umpire disallowed the goal for feet intruding into the D not before the pull was taken but before a shot was taken. If you are all wondering about this I am not joking (however the umpire may have been). Needless to say the short had to be retaken and sadly not with the same result, and if to add insult to injury T&D then broke quickly from the restart with a slick move that ended up being tapped into an empty net at the back post.

From the restart the game flowed from attack to defence for both sides until that is once again the umpire decided to step in. The ball was fed to a T&D forward in the Worthing D and a challenge was drawn from Matt Sewell who himself will admit was a foul. In a normal match this would be a short corner on account of the great big lump of orange and 2 defenders between this incident and the goal but alas the clever fellows from Kent decided that as it was a Old Gold shirt that had committed the foul it therefore should be a penalty stroke. After some choice words from messurs Barter and Sewell in the team huddle the flick was dispatched and Worthing found themselves 3-1 down.
To Worthing’s credit they did not wilt or give up and continued to attack and defend as well as they had done all game and to create chances. Lowe came close with a effort that just screamed wide and Atkinson with a Drag flick that brought a truly great save from the home keeper.
T&D finally put the game to bed with about a minute left on the clock as a flowing move once again was finished by a sliding forward at the back post to make the score 4-1.

And so the game ended sadly not with the result that Worthing wanted or indeed deserved, but never the less with enough positives to feel that should promotion be attained they could make a serious challenge to the teams in the higher league.

Team: Joe Isaacs, James Godber, Matt Sewell, Tim Barter, Jack Symons, Ellis Woolley, Chris Sciandro, Seb Daniels, Rob Lowe, Cirdec Atkinson (1 Goal), James Cook, Callum Fairclough]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:49:16 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-lewes-mens-1st-xi-2.html#match_report_282


Date
20/08/2011










Match
Worthing 
Vs
Lewes




















Score
1


8




















Scorers
Cirdec Atkinson (F)


















Team Sheet












1
Adam Cro








2
Sam Gill








3
James Godber








4
Tim Barter








5
Adam Stephens








6
John Massie








7
Stuart Barter








8
Seb Daniels








9
Rob Lowe








10
Cirdec Atkinson Capt








11
James Cook








12
James Stevens








13
Luc Hinton








14
Chris Lowin








15
Simon Saward








16
























Match report












A good effort from a inexperienced team, scoreline did not reflect the passages of play 


or chances we created.


It gives me great optimism for the season with regards to the amount of effort and 


commitment shown.


]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:43:07 +0000 http://www.worthinghockey.co.uk/seasons/season-2011-2012/matches/mens-1st-xi-vs-eastbourne-mens-1st-xi-2.html#match_report_284


Date
11/09/2011
















Match
Worthing 
Vs
Eastbourne
































Score
3


1
































Scorers
Cirdec Atkinson(F) (PS) 2, Rob Lowe (PC)






























Team Sheet


















1
Declan Luke














2
James Gobder














3
Matt Sewell














4
Tim Barter














5
Jack Symons














6
David Beales














7
Stuart Barter














8
Andy Moore














9
Rob Lowe














10
Cirdec Atkinson














11
Ellis Woolley 














12
Chris Lowin














13
Sam Gill














14
Luc Hinton














15
Seb Daniels














16
James Cooke


































Match report


















A little sore and jaded (some more than others) from Saturday, a positive team assembled at fortress St Andrews








to take on the old enemy, Eastbourne with a "slightly" weakened side took the field against a Worthing 








1st XI with an average age of 22!!!!!








The first third started at a great pace Worthing enjoying the lions share of possession and creating pressure








whenever Eastbourne managed to gain possesion, a series of good passes from defence through the 








inside channels led to the first goal of the game rob lowe slipping Atkinson through for him to 








smash the ball in to the far corner leaving the keeper stranded.








Continued pressure led to wave after wave of Worthing attacks, but over commitment was 








allowing Eastbourne to counter attack, with the Worthing Defence remaining resolute, dealing 








with several Eastbourne D penertrations and Penalty Corners.








A  swift counter attack from Worthing forced two quick penalty corners, a slick routine from Woolley, Symons and Cooke leading to a flick on goal which the keeper could only parry to the waiting Lowe.








Eastbourne responded quickly pressing high and resulting in a powerful drive in to the D and reverse stick shot, an unsited Luke left stranded at the near post as the ball fired in to the far corner








The second first was a good chance to chance personnel around, and some strong performances maintained the 






2-1 Advantage.


















A return to the starting line up created further chances Lowe winning the first penalty stroke of the game








cooly slotted in to the GK kickers in the bottom left corner by Atkinson "FRANK" continued pressure 








and over commitment from Worthing began to leave a few gaps, Eastbourne winning several penalty corners






all dealt with with ease by the Worthing defence, (Godber forced to sacrifice half a toothe to maintain the 








advantage (Face mask earned its keep though)














With the game becoming more open Worthing counter attacked and some slick moves called the Eastbourne Keeper 




in to action forcing several good saves throughout the game.












With barely 5 mins to go Worthing created their best interplay of the game with no less and 20 passes before a cross destined 




for Atkinsons stick (which was savagely hacked) led to the second stroke of the game.










Atkinson rectifying his mistake by actually watching how early the keeper went to his right (B***end)








All in all a good performance, things to work on but moving in the right direction.


]]> frenchieatwhc@live.co.uk (Admin) Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:04:37 +0000