MATCH REPORT | Hemel Town 1-0 Worthing

Written by Allan Mitchell

This was far from a Valentines Day Massacre at the Focus Community Arena but it was a massive result for the Tudors who had lost their three previous home games, something manager Lee Allinson described as very frustrating and he was delighted with the effort his players showed against a very good Worthing side who had put us to the sword earlier this season.

Lee decided to go for a more experienced line up after Tuesdays disappointing defeat against Hampton and it paid dividends with George Williams, Matty Achuba and Kyran Wiltshire coming into the side and really putting a ‘shift in’ especially in the second half when Worthing stepped up through the gears in an effort to get something out of the game.

It was a good run from Achuba that set up Remaye Campbell for an early chance but his shot went just wide of the post.

Isiah Noel-Williams made a great run down the right on 18 minutes, getting down to the byline before driving the ball across the six yard box, it evaded everything and ended up hitting a surprised Finlay Wilkinson who just couldn’t react quickly enough and it dropped into a grateful Josh Jeffries arms.

Worthing were creating little at this point and another good interchange between Achuba and Noel-Williams almost broke the deadlock but Noel-Williams first time shot fizzed past the near post with Jeffries beaten.

Half Time - 0-0

The Tudors continued to press at the start of the second half forcing a couple of corners and there was a bit of a scramble at the second one with shots getting blocked and a final effort was headed off the line as the home side looked to get their noses in front.

They finally took the lead on the hour mark when Matty Achuba did superbly to block an attempted clearance on the half way line, he controlled the ball and raced forward to the edge of the area before unselfishly squaring it to an unmarked Remaye Campbell who took a touch before drilling it past Jeffies to open his account for The Tudors.

The goal seemed to wake Worthing from their slumbers and they really stepped up a gear after making several changes.

They forced a number of corners as the Hemel rear-guard was tested to the full and they had Michael Johnson to thank after he tipped a powerful De-Graft effort over the bar when the ball looked to be heading for the top corner.

Despite their late pressure the Rebels rarely threatened again with Hemel defending and pressing hard and the referee finally brought proceedings to an end after an extended injury time period that seemed to go on for an age.

Allinson was delighted with the result and performance but also frustrated as it was in stark contrast to Tuesday’s defeat. He decided to rest some of the younger players who have given their all since they came to the club and he went out of his way to say they have a very important part to play over the coming weeks as the play off push continues.

Mitch's Man of the Match: Darion Dowrich

Supporters Poll: Matty Achuba

Attendance 678