An accomplished display enabled Worthing to register a second successive league victory as they recorded a 3-1 triumph at Hartlepool United in the National League.

Cory Adjetey-Brew’s first goal in senior football was the difference at the interval, before Ricky Aguiar’s unstoppable volley and Jose Marquez’s late header either side of a Will Harris goal secured the points for the travelling Rebels.

Adam Hinshelwood opted to make a pair of changes in the forward line with Dom Hutchinson and Jordan Young taking the place of Ashley Nathaniel-George and Razzaq Coleman De-Graft. Joe Cook and Bailey Smith were selected in the 18-player roster after recovering from injuries.

With the home crowd expecting a reaction from their players following consecutive league defeats, the opening exchanges were fairly even.

Worthing players celebrate a goal in their 3-1 win at Hartlepool | Picture by Jay Wrighte

placeholder image — Worthing players celebrate a goal in their 3-1 win at Hartlepool | Picture by Jay Wrighte

After Jayden Moore had handled the ball believing he was fouled, a Hartlepool free-kick yielded a corner. Skipper Reiss McNally recycled a set-piece and clipped a delivery on to Harris’ head, with the striker’s header smartly parried behind by Taylor Seymour.

Midway through the first period Worthing registered their first shot on target. Charlie Waller’s weak-footed effort rolled harmlessly into Fisher’s grasp after a teasing Jack Wadham corner, moments after Cole Deeming’s attempt from long distance was straight at Seymour.

Brave defending from Pools full-back Jay Benn was required to block Harry Ransom’s towering header, with Jordan Young’s gorgeous cross crafting the chance.

Quick thinking from Reds captain Joel Colbran presented Charley Kendall with a chance to break his goalscoring duck for his new side. Kendall beat the goalkeeper to possession, but his lofted execution hit the midriff of Fisher.

Rebels fans show their approval at Victoria Park | Picture by Jay Wrighte

Ten minutes before the break, QPR loanee Adjetey-Brew netted his first goal for the Reds to send the travelling support into raptures.

Another direct move saw Moore’s long-range pass collected by Aguiar, who also produced a searching pass into the box. Bypassing Kendall, a flat-footed home defence could only stop and stare as Adjetey-Brew calmly met the ball with his head to give his side the advantage.

Hartlepool manager Lee Clark made a reactive substitution, with Liam Gibson being replaced by Charlie Penman.

Waller almost scored an audacious second. Spotting Fisher slightly off his line, the 21-year-old took aim from 45 yards out, with the effort travelling inches over the bar.

Coleman De-Graft was introduced in place of Hutchinson, who had been yellow carded late on in the first period, after the break.

Moments before the hour, a tale of ruthlessness and fine margins resulting in the visitors doubling their lead.

Down one end, Harris turned adeptly before digging out a clever effort that had the beating of Seymour, ricocheted off the underside of the bar and bounced on the right side of the goal-line.

Breaking, Coleman De-Graft’s surged towards the area and saw his shot blocked by Cameron John. The loose ball fell invitingly to Aguiar, who turned from provider into scorer by lashing a thunderous volley past a helpless Fisher – his third of the season.

The home crowd were turning toxic and the Hartlepool desperately tried to get back into the contest. A pair of alterations from Clark made a slight difference to the momentum, with the Pools dictating the tempo.

On 77 minutes, United were gifted an avenue back into it after a defensive error. Shortly after being brought into the fold, Sam Packham’s backpass was too powerful for Seymour to control, with the keeper’s heavy touch presenting Harris with possession. He made no mistake as he rolled into the untended net.

The Pools pushed for parity. Harris curled over from 25 yards, but the Rebels weathered the storm.

Aguiar’s volley from an acute angle didn’t test Fisher, before Packham’s shot was pushed into Coleman De-Graft’s path, but a moment of hesitation allowed the defence to repel the effort.

In the second of five additional minutes, a third National League goal of the season for Marquez ensured the win.

The energetic Adjetey-Brew fashioned a cross straight on to the head of Marquez. The striker deftly nodded into the top corner.

The final whistle kick-started a chorus of boos from the home faithful. But the Rebels’ section of the stadium was jubilant as they watched their players make it six points for the week.