Mavericks fight back against Mullets to make Vase progress
Worthing United continued their impressive cup form with a convincing 4-1 victory over Arundel in the FA Vase second qualifying round.
The Mavericks made seven changes but despite the reshuffle, they produced another excellent performance to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
United were slow out of the blocks and found themselves behind in the 17th minute. However, the setback proved to be little more than a wake-up call as the Mavericks quickly took control and turned it around in impressive fashion.
On 30 minutes, Liam Appleton restored parity with a composed finish from the edge of the box.
Four minutes later, the Mavericks completed the turnaround. Joe Sadler, who had replaced the injured Ahmed Kamil, put Worthing 2–1 ahead following some superb attacking football.
Excellent link-up play involving Danny Kingston and Appleton saw Appleton strike the post, before Sadler showed great footwork inside the area and fired a powerful finish into the bottom corner.
Worthing added a third two minutes later. Tom Butler produced a brilliant ball to release Dillon Nagle, who drove forward before laying the ball off to Appleton. The forward made no mistake, finding the net for his second of the afternoon to give the Mavericks a 3-1 advantage going into the break.
United came flying out of the blocks in the second half and continued to put Arundel under pressure. It was fitting that the scoring was completed by the outstanding Appleton, who completed his hat-trick with another well-taken finish to make it 4–1.
It was a thoroughly deserved victory for Uniied, with joint managers Mark Curram and Glenn Souter understandably delighted.
It is the first time in six years they have reached the first round of the FA Vase.
With their unbeaten record still intact and their cup form continuing to impress, credit must go to the whole Worthing United squad for the way they have embraced the challenge.
An FA Vase first round fixture against Hythe Town follows next month. Next up, after a home clash with Hailsham on Tuesday night, is a visit to Reigate Priory om Saturday in the SCFL Division 1.