East Preston exit Charity Cup to Worthing

He said: “The team did exactly what was asked of them. After watching Worthing’s last game, we realised the best way to get at them was to press the ball, and having done that we feel a bit unlucky not to get a result.

“But I’m very proud of the team’s performance, and it again shows how we play better against stronger opposition.”

EP pressed Rebels all over the pitch, which forced errors, and went ahead on 25 minutes. After some great play on the right by Aaron Farrier, John Lawson set up Adam Wilds, and he stroked the ball home.

Worthing still had the majority of possession, but had few clear cut chances before they equalised on the stroke of half-time. Terry Dodd headed John Lansdale’s corner against the bar and Shaun Charles volleyed home.

Despite EP’s constant hard work in the second half, Worthing managed to get a winner on 73 minutes.

A good through ball by former EP man Mike Huckett led to a one-on-one situation. Ben Rose bravely saved at the feet of George Gaskin, but the ball fell in Worthing’s favour and Tom Manton was able to roll the ball into the empty net.

Worthing boss Chris White, who has previously managed East Preston, said: “Credit to EP, they worked very hard and made it difficult, but in the end we just did enough.”

EAST PRESTON: Rose; Dixon, Campbell, Hand, Banfield; Farrier, Bainbridge, Windsor, Wilds; Lawson, Charman. Subs: Dodd (Farrier 79), Leach (Campbell 87), Mcleod (Bainbridge 85), Gammons.