Four-midable Worthing United impress in cup derby win over Lancing

Only SCFL Premier leaders Eastbourne United have scored more than the Mavs in the whole of Sussex, and the Lyons Way side showcased their quality in this demolition derby.

The Mavericks endured a ‘nearly’ campaign last season – beaten both in the final of this competition and in the league’s promotion play-offs. On this evidence, they must be considered as amongst the favourites to go one better.

Dale Hurley’s side have enjoyed a strong recent revival but that came to a juddering halt here, beaten by their near neighbours in the cup for a second successive season.

Sadler fired an early warning when he flashed a shot across goal before Liam Appleton did likewise when he skewed wide on the angle. Mo Khedidji saw his effort deflected on to the bar and Archie McGonigle went close for Lancers in a lively start.

The Mavericks struck the stanchion themselves through Danny Kingston who let fly with a piledriver. But United took the lead with their next attack in the 18th minute. Good work down the left saw Appleton tee up Sadler to rifle in across Dailly and put last season’s finalists ahead.

Dailly saved superbly from Leon Turner but was powerless to prevent the Mavericks second goal. It came shortly after the half hour mark as former Lancer Butler rose highest from a Kingston corner to divert the ball over the line via the bar, despite protestations claiming whether it had crossed.

Things got worse for Lancing after the interval with two goals in as many minutes to put the cup tie beyond any lingering doubt.

Kingston was once more United’s string-pulling creator in chief with his second set piece assist of the tie. This time, his free-kick found its way to the back post where the bleach blonde figure of Andrew Younger was on hand to poke in.

United put four past the Lancers in the Peter Bentley Cup 12 months ago and history repeated itself here in the RUR.

Ryan Singers, another ex-Lancer plying his trade at Lyons Way, saw his shot parried out by Dailly only for Sadler to lash in on the follow up. Substitute Ahmed Kalil went close to a fifth and fellow sub Marcus Puddephat could also have scored, only to be crowded out in the box.

Lancing did improve after a flurry of substitutions. Former Culver Road alumnus Blu Abbott had little to do throughout but was belatedly called into action to repel a Scott Packer header.

Szymon Kowalcyzk’s cross-shot caused mild palpitations in the box before Antoine Sharpe cut in and fired into the side netting.

The visitors could take solace from the fact their consolation goal was, at least, the pick of the evening’s bunch. A strike of such quality did not deserve its status as a footnote, as substitute Zak Kladis stunning, dipping hit from distance left Abbott with no chance.

The recent arrival’s 88th-minute goal was his first – and probably best – in yellow.

Mark Curram and Glenn Soutar’s side host leaders AFC Walcountians in an early promotion six-pointer on Saturday. Lancing host Channel Islanders Guernsey with a 2pm kick off.