With the score goalless heading into the interval, the friendly burst into life in the second period with a flurry of goals and chances for both teams.
Razzaq Coleman De-Graft’s smartly-dispatched finish three minutes after the restart was swiftly cancelled out by Bournemouth’s number four, before a Worthing midfielder operating under the moniker of ‘Trialist C’ emphatically restored the Reds’ lead with a thunderous strike from 25 yards. However, a defensive mix-up at the back prevented the visiting side from securing a successive pre-season victory, as the Cherries equalised with a quarter of an hour to play.
Adam Hinshelwood named a strong starting eleven, with the team comprising of nine National League South title-winners, new signing Dom Hutchinson and mysterious midfield maestro ‘Trialist A’.
The young Cherries were full of vitality and enthusiasm and looked to exploit the gaps in behind the Worthing defence with the blistering pace they boasted in forward areas. However, the backline held their ground on multiple occasions, with the adoption of a high-line frustrating their younger counterparts.
Club captain Joel Colbran’s afternoon ended prematurely, as the full-back was forced to depart the field and was replaced by Bailey Smith. Fortunately, the 28-year-old exited the pitch unassisted with the decision to replace him a precautionary one.
Smith would enjoy a fruitful day’s work down the right-flank, using his speed and athleticism to contribute offensively and defensively, with a few notable deliveries into the area and a goal-saving block in the second half.
The hosts did record the most memorable opportunity of the match, with their forward clipping the base of Taylor Seymour’s left post. A sliding challenge from the covering George Cox helped the effort onto the woodwork to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite winning five corners, Alan Connell’s youngsters failed to capitalise on their collection of set-pieces, with an acrobatic overhead kick attempt the pick of the bunch from the efforts.
For Worthing, Hutchinson fired millimetres wide after a smart interchange with Coleman De-Graft, while Wiktor Makowski couldn’t keep his footing after advancing on goal following one of those Bournemouth corners.
Half-time saw several alterations occur, with the likes of Sam Beard and Ollie Godziemski entering the fray among multiple trialists.
Shortly after the interval, the NLS Champions broke the deadlock. Devastating dribbling and speed from the freshly introduced Trialist A wreaked havoc in the opposition defence, with his subsequent delicate chip being heroically cleared off the line to deny a wonderful solo goal. Although the danger was only partially averted, as the ball dropped to Coleman De-Graft’s feet, who steadied himself before picking out the bottom corner with precision.
The joy was short-lived, as Trialist A lost possession on the edge of his own box within three minutes of the opener, leaving the sprawling Seymour with no chance as the Bournemouth attacker swept home the leveller from 12 yards out.
Worthing resumed control of the match and after a few-near misses, propelled themselves in front once more just after a hydration break.
With Bournemouth opting against engaging, Trialist B revelled in the space and wound up a venomous strike that was destined for the top corner the minute it left his right foot. Such was the quality of the strike, the goalkeeper could only stop and stare rooted to the spot as the ball flew past him into the side-netting.
Undeterred and determined not to be defeated on home turf, the Cherries showed resolve again to restore parity. Almost a carbon copy to the goal they conceded 25 minutes prior, a miscommunication between the Trialist goalkeeper and midfielder resulted in a turnover of possession which was punished with aplomb by the attacker.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages and the friendly ended with the scores level at two apiece. A trip to Frome Town awaits the Rebels next weekend on Saturday 18th July.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗