Hinshelwood: I take blame for Worthing FA Cup exit

Hinshelwood admitted he got his tactics wrong as the Rebels failed to hold on to a 3-1 lead and allowed the Wasps to take the first qualifying round tie to a penalty shootout.

It’s an early blow for Worthing after a fine 2-1 win at Folkestone opened their Isthmian premier campaign in perfect style.

It finished 3-3 at EG after a superb free-kick by Jesse Starkey, a full debut goal for Mo Diallo and Dajon Golding strike for Worthing. EG won the shootout 4-3 as Marvin Armstong and Ricky Aguiar failed to convert.

Hinshelwood said: “I’ve got to take responsibility for the way the second half exploded on us.

“I over-complicated the tactics and some players looked a little lost. We were 3-1 up with about ten minutes left and there was naivety on my part not to set up properly to hold on.

“I’m disappointed for the fans who made the trip. A cup run would have been great for the club and brought in important revenue.

“I hold my hands up and take responsibility. Just like we expect the players to learn from defeats, I have to learn from my mistakes too.

“The fans will have been frustrated and I certainly share that.”

The disappointment was in stark contrast to the joy felt at the opening-day win at Folkestone.

Aguiar and Ollie Pearce put Worthing 2-0 up before they had to withstand an Invicta fightback, 2-1 the final score. Hinshelwood said it was a pleasing start.

“It’s a difficult place to go – they don’t give up too many points at home,” said the boss. “We created a lot of chances and there were plenty of positives – although a lot to work on too. We left ourselves open at times but at the same time dealt with their pressure.”

Worthing are getting used to life on the road with Woodside Road needing work on the artificial pitch before they can play there. They face a tough trip to Kingstonian on Saturday and then go to Lewes on Tuesday.

Triallist Diallo has signed, along with three other youngsters, Leon Moore, Sam Keefe and Shaquille Gwengue.