First-half goals from Joe Cook and Jordan Young was followed up by a first Worthing goal for Dominic Johnson-Fisher to alleviate any fears of an upset, in a tie that also included Taylor Seymour saving a spot-kick.
Adam Hinshelwood named a strong side at the Jubilee Field, which included captain Joel Colbran, Joe Cook and a first start for Johnson-Fisher through the middle.
Despite this, it was the hosts who flew out of the traps and created a golden opportunity inside the opening minute. Noel Leighton found space inside the 18-yard box and Seymour was twice called into action. The Three Bridges focal point forced the Sussex Cat into a low save down to his right-hand side before striking into the shot-stopper’s midriff seconds later.
The Second Round tie was played at a quick tempo and the Reds started to threaten themselves. Colbran’s clever throw-in released Bailey Smith in the box, with his poked effort taking a deflection before travelling behind for a corner.
From the subsequent set-piece, the ball was recycled by Harvey Boddy, whose pin-point delivery from his cultured left foot landed on the head of Charlie Waller, but the header was sent into the side netting.
Leighton was proving to be a thorn in Worthing’s side once again and was millimetres away from breaking the deadlock 20 minutes in. Left unmarked in the middle, the imposing striker stooped low to connect with Hayden Velvick’s cross and divert the ball onto the crossbar. Football’s all about taking your chances and Jamie Crellin’s outfit were swiftly punished.
After pushing up the field and winning another corner, Packham’s wondrous cross was attacked by Cook and the defender made no mistake with a powerful header that was beyond the reach of the outstretched hand of Sam Roberts. A second goal of the season for goalscoring defender and an impressive one at that.
Following an evenly-contested first quarter of the match, the Reds were now fully in control. Johnson-Fisher curled narrowly over from distance, while Emmerson Sutton and Smith caused issues with their pace.
Five minutes before the interval, the lead was doubled with aplomb. Starting just behind the striker, the impressive Young pierced through the heart of the Bridges defence and displayed great balance to keep his footing after being pushed in the back. Advancing towards the goal, the former Torquay United man unleashed an unstoppable effort with his stronger left foot that wrong-footed Roberts and nestled into the corner. Two up and now in full control.
There was nearly time for a third before the first 45 was up, as Sutton’s perfectly-weighted outside of the foot pass released the onrushing Waller towards the byline. The MK Dons loanee initially beat the goalkeeper to the ball, but his dink was smothered by Roberts to prevent the deficit from increasing.
Unlike the first half, the Rebels enjoyed a strong start to the second period. Smith had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for an earlier offside infringement.
Against the run of play, Three Bridges were awarded a penalty as the referee spotted Cook tussling with Leighton. The striker stepped up to take the spot-kick, but was left looking to the skies in dismay. Seymour held his nerve to guess the right way and get two strong wrists to the attempt from 12 yards to preserve his clean sheet.
A potential momentum swayer was avoided and the visitors continued to ask questions of the opposition backline. Sutton’s swerving strike marginally deviated off target before Roberts presented Packham with a chance moments later, but the midfielder lashed over.
However, the third that was hinting at occurring did arrive minutes later as Worthing’s new number nine opened his account for the Club. More positive play from Sutton resulted in the teenager laying the ball on a plate for Johnson-Fisher, who made no mistake with a clinical finish from close-range.
The result was virtually wrapped up with half hour to go, prompting Hinshelwood to make a quadruple change, which included U18s defender Callum Beck being handed more minutes.
Three Bridges tried to salvage some pride in the scoreline, although Charlie Bennett’s header didn’t test Seymour and late pressure amounted to nothing.
A clean sheet and three goals ensured the momentum continued to build ahead of Saturday’s National League match against Solihull Moors at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗