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We started the month at home to Cambridge City where a goalless draw was achieved – one of only 5 games we failed to score in all season. In the replay the following Tuesday, an early start was made and numbers were down. A nail-biting 3-2 extra time win ensued with goals from SAM FRANCIS, BEN CARRINGTON and an absolute stunner from FLORIAN MATEOS.
With the mood good in the camp, we entertained a lively Bromley side and took the lead with a spectacular GAVIN GEDDES strike. We could even afford to miss a penalty (Sam’s effort blasted high over the bar) such was our early dominance, but we let them back in for an equalizer. A late PAUL ROGERS header sealed all three points in a hard-earned victory.
Horsham were our next visitors and we battered them for 90 minutes yet ended up with a 1-1 draw with captain for the day GAVIN GEDDES scoring the inevitable goal against one of his former clubs. Lady luck was shining on The Hornets that evening as posts, crossbars, defenders and even ex-Worthing ‘keeper Luke Burton blocking everything that came their way.
Next up was the trip to Dulwich Hamlet where we went down 2-1. FLORIAN MATEOS scored our goal with a deflected shot, as Dulwich were just too strong and physical for us. Surprisingly, Sam Francis was left on the bench for this fixture with Geddes and Flo the preferred strike partnership.
The strange venue that is Haywards Heath was our next destination. Heath were bottom of the County League Division Two and seemingly cannon fodder for this strong Rebels squad. An easy 4-0 win ensued with goals from GLEN DAVIES, MARK PULLING, SHAUN GRICE and GAVIN GEDDES sealing the Rebels passage into the next round.
Banstead visited Woodside Road next and with former manager Sammy Donnelly looking on, the Rebels duly put in a commanding performance. The final 4-0 scoreline reflected their dominance as SAM FRANCIS (3) scored his first hat trick in Worthing colours with SHAUN GRICE also converting a penalty.
A dire venue and only a marginally less dire performance up at The Arena, the following Wednesday saw us held by Croydon. A fine SAM FRANCIS goal cancelled out an early opener from The Trams and he was unlucky not to add another late on, as the Croydon ‘keeper blocked a goalbound effort with his face. A draw it was and the Rebels were losing touch with Lewes, the early pacesetters.
League Record so far – P 18, W 10, D 5, L 3, F 35, A 17, Pts 35, GD +18
Players In – Richard Carter (Burgess
Hill Town), Gavin Jones (Withdean 2000)
Players Out – Tom Graves (Horsham), Clinton Moore
(AFC Wimbledon)
The “We want Lloyd Back” Grumbleometer from the bus stop rating – still 9/10!
7th Feb 2004