41 photos as Worthing FC Women win league title with victory in final game

The Reds ended up with games in hand at the end of a long season so after Ebbsfleet finished their season on Sunday, Worthing had one more game to play – and knew if they won it, they’d be champions.

And they did just that – winning 2-1 against AFC Acorns in an away game switched to Woodside Road to move two points ahead of the long-time leaders in the final table. Their run-in was boosted by the need to play a rearranged game away to Millwall. They’d drawn there originally but had to replay the game because Millwall had fielded an ineligible player and won the rematch.

There were great scenes afterwards as Worthing celebrated their league title – which came just under a fortnight after the men’s side from Woodside Road lad won the Sussex Senior Cup, making it a great double triumph for the club.

Manager John Donoghue said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the players.

"To be so consistent and focused to win the league is great for any team but when only one team gets promoted out of the league that is incredible.”

It was a tense affair that clinched the silver.

Around the midway point of the first-half, a through ball by Rachel Palmer played in captain Charlie Carter. She rode her fellow skipper’s challenge and drove the ball inside the near post to open her account for the season and put Worthing 1-0 up.

The lead might have been increased at the end of a flowing move featuring Katie Young, goalscorer Carter, Emily Linscer and Hayley Bridge, whose cross narrowly evaded Sammy Quayle and could not b converted by Chloe Winchester.

Acorns levelled two minutes after the break when Ava Hutson’s deep free-kick caused absolute pandemonium in the box and Hazel Barnett sent her half-volley just under the crossbar and in to change the whole complexion of the evening.

Worthing knew a draw was not enough and regrouped. Katie Young picked out Palmer, whose lovely pass was latched on to by Quayle for a shot into the bottom corner for what proved to be the winner.

See the best of the pictures from a memorable night – taken by One Rebels View and Mike Gunn – on this page and the ones linked, and don’t miss next week’s Worthing Herald (June 1 edition) for a report and picture.