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The month began with a trip to Chesham United in the FA Trophy. With Glen Davies “unavailable” and Sam Francis rested, the Rebels put in one of their most commanding performances of the season in a 2-0 win. Goals from the recalled MARK PULLING and a goal of the season contender from GAVIN GEDDES gave Worthing an easy victory and a passage into the next round.
Francis and Davies were recalled for the next game – another comfortable 2-0 win, this time at home to the Corinthian Casuals, the goals coming from SAM FRANCIS and an OWN GOAL – interestingly the only “freebie” we got all season.
The following Saturday we were back on the FA Cup trail and back in Essex as we played Ford United who were now playing in Barkingside – a poor ground given their status and a poor crowd given the nature of the game. Pooky picked what was his “first XI” and we took an early lead as a magnificent CHRIS DICKER free kick from fully 30 yards was curled into the top corner. Ford equalized just before half time and took a lead early in the second half. With time running down, GAVIN GEDDES popped up at the far post to head home an equalizer and a replay seemed certain. However, fate was to deal us a cruel blow with the most contentious of series of decisions. Andrew Beech was very harshly judged to have pushed Robbie Reinelt just inside the penalty area well into stoppage time. The referee gave the penalty, which was duly saved by Ross Standen. However, the linesman had his flag up and depending on who you spoke to, insisted that the penalty was retaken due to either encroachment into the penalty area or Ross moving too early on his line. Given this extra lifeline, Ford scored with the last kick of the match. A real low point of the season, the only plus point being that England qualified for Euro 2004 that evening with a 0-0 draw in Turkey despite Becks slipping over at the vital minute. A tale of two penalties?
Four days later, uber-strugglers (sorry RAC), Epsom & Ewell visited us in what should have been a nailed-on 3 points. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Big guns Johnson and Freeman came in for Hill (rested) and Francis (taking an exam) and it was DARREN FREEMAN who gave the Rebels a very fortunate lead as he dug the ball out of the ‘keepers hands and rolled it into the net. Almost straight after half time, Epsom equalized and defended the second half as if their lives depended on it. They hung on and it finished 1-1. An interested spectator behind the goal was former Worthing man Tom Graves who had just been released by Lewes.
Almost a carbon copy again on the following Saturday as Egham visited Woodside Road. Freeman and Martin were surprisingly preferred to Geddes and Lopez. “Egged-on” by their small but very vocal following they took an early lead and had their ‘keeper sent off midway through the first half for a clumsy challenge on Owen Hill. Pook made the logical changes at half time and two very late goals from substitute GAVIN GEDDES and SAM FRANCIS snatched us three very welcome but probably undeserved points.
And on to Larges Lane in Bracknell where the less said about the game, the better really. 3-0 down just after half time was nearly a point gained as MARK KNEE and CLINTON MOORE scored goals that pulled it back to 3-2, but Bracknell scored again to make it a 4-2 defeat, only our second league defeat of the season. Tom Graves came back into the side after signing from Lewes and ex-Albion left back James Virgo made his debut as a substitute after signing from Burgess Hill Town – a trend that was repeated several times over the course of the season.
Staines away was next and I missed it because I was at a wedding. I missed a thrilling 3-3 draw and all the more annoying, as we were 3-1 up with 10 minutes to go. Goals from MARK KNEE (2) and SAM FRANCIS earned a good point at one of the promotion chasers.
The Bryco Cup (don’t miss it) saw us make the trip to Dorking. On a very cold night, there was a touch of lethargy all round as with Pook on holiday, Danny Bloor and Rolo took charge of the side. Dodge, Sam and Gavin were all rested as a CHRIS DICKER free kick (was it a cross, was it a shot?) snuck in midway through the first half to give the Rebels the win. The most entertaining thing about this game was the rather vocal disagreement in the bar between Ross Johnson and a board member about perceived “levels of effort”. Now, now boys – play nicely!
League Record so far – P 13, W 8, D 3, L 2, F 26, A 12, GD +14
Players In – Tom Graves (Lewes),
James Virgo (Burgess Hill Town)
Players Out – Graham Martin (Ringmer)
The “We want Lloyd Back” Grumbleometer from the bus stop rating – 9/10
7th Feb 2004