League leaders entered The Durrington Rec 'Fortress' for their first cup match of the season as they hosted Worthing United in the challenge cup 1st round.
a strong start in recent rebels style saw them show they're not afraid to attack as they won a few quick successive throw ins well within the United half of the fortress. this was little consellation as the rebels defensive showed United to much space and not enough respect as United banged in their first of what was set to be an eventful morning at Rogate Road.
within the next 20 minutes Rebels hit back with some great runs down both flanks, with some quick play coming from the CM paring Sine and Gaal. Unfortunately the searching balls from CM wernt weighted correctly on too many occasions which saw the ball end up safely in the united keepers hands too often. in turn this seemed to wear out the attacking minded midfield 4 who couldnt get back to help the struggling defense as United smashed home another 3 goals in succesion from balls through the middle,over the top, and from corners that wernt dealt with by a rebels Defence.
take nothing away from the home side as they looked good on the attack every time, but a solid well timed defence just wouldnt be broken by Sam and Semdin's best efforts upfront. despite this Turan did manage to net a goal before the interval after a great run and cross from skipper Sine landed perfectly into Turans stride.
HT: 4-1
the second half saw much of the same for the first 15 minutes with chances at both ends. controlled mostly by United the goals started to flow as rebels defense became plagued by injury and tiredness, with Davis depleting badly after another great performance from the left back, nathan getting the wind knocked out of him, and Adam Taylor being asked to leave the field forcing Ashworth to play in an adopted RB position for the great part of his return to the field after being subbed in the first half.
5,6,7,8,9,10 goals flowed in for united not to mention a couple of efforts off the bar,post and 1 cleared off the line by Taylor who showed great heart in the way he never gave up and even managed to dribble the ball off the line with confidence.
amoungst the united goals some rebels efforts were rewarded with some stunning goals. Semdin's Solo effort and great work ethic put United CB under enough pressure to spill the ball past his own keeper, leaving Semdin free to slot home Rebels 2nd.
STEP UP SAM BAKER, an absolute Worldie stuns manager Davis and supporters alike not to mention team mates, as a ball loops up from a rebels attack falling perfectly in Bakers stride, left foot..BANG!!! from 20+ yards Sam absolutely fizzle kicks the sack of air past the keepers right hand into the corner of the goal. Goal of the game and season so far no doubt!
to finish up rebels tally Ashley Hodzi dusted away his cobwebs and confirmed coach Davis's tactics as correct, as he dashed past the United LB leaving him in the dust and gracefully chipped the oncoming keeper to regain rebels final goal.
A well fought battle at the fortress (for the first 70mins) ends with 14 goals split in United's favour.
Worthing Rebels Youth 4 - 10 Worthing United Youth
