Worthing may have won this game, but the Rebels were forced to fight all the way, as a spirited Lions team took them far further than the scoreline would suggest. Four years ago, these two contested a 4-3 thriller in the Senior cup, and this game looked to have all the makings of that classic. Right from the off Pagham attacked, Ross Woolf’s searching cross in the first minute asking questions of James Fernandez in Worthing’s goal. The visitors fought back though, their Ryman league pedigree showing on eleven minutes as Mike Huckett scored the opener. Pagham went on the onslaught again from the re-start, at one point having three players caught offside all at once. Worthing’s second goal came from the penalty spot. Ryan Cox’s mistimed tackle on Ryan Timms saw referee Mr Rendell point to the spot. Up stepped Huckett for his, and Worthing’s second of the game. A short respite for the Lions before the third goal. Tom Lawley took advantage of some left-sided dominance to strike the ball passed Wes Halllett. Possibly Pagham’s best chance of the half came five minutes before the break. Scott Murfin was clean through on goal before his shot bothered the seagulls flying above the goal more than it did Worthing ‘Keeper Fernandez.
No Changes at the break, with both Scott Murfin and Justin Gregory creating scoring chances, and Paul Jones shooting wide for the Lions. Murfin shot across an empty goal before former Lions striker George Gaskin contrived to shoot wide himself. Desparate defending by Steve Metcalfe denied Scott Murfin as Pagham laid siege to Worthing’s goal. Murfin’s involvement ended just after the hour as another injury forced him from the pitch. On came Alex Kew to give Pagham fresh legs. Twice more Pagham made changes before a controversial sending off. Metcalfe went down heavily under the challenge of James Temple, and the latter was shown a red card, much to his disgust. The last meaningful action saw Worthing sub John Lansdown shoot well wide.
Pagham; W.Hallett, J.Tribe, R.Cox, D.Pearce, P.Jones, J.Booker, R.Woolf, M.Wood, J.Temple, S.Murfin, J.Gregory; G.Robinson, A.Kew, J.Williamson, J.Price
Worthing;Pagham; W.Hallett, J.Tribe, R.Cox, D.Pearce, P.Jones, J.Booker, R.Woolf, M.Wood, J.Temple, S.Murfin, J.Gregory; G.Robinson, A.Kew, J.Williamson, J.Price