Rebels are flying in pre-season

WORTHING Football Club have made a flying start to their pre-season programme with four wins from their opening four friendlies.

After a 6-4 win at East Preston last Tuesday, Rebels beat former boss Simon Colbran’s Redhill side 2-1 last Wednesday and then they defeated two higher-division sides, Lewes 1-0 on Saturday, and Leatherhead 1-0 on Tuesday evening.

Worthing boss Chris White is not getting carried away, though, and said: “They’re only pre-season friendlies and results don’t matter, but winning games is a good habit.

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“We’ve looked solid and the two clean sheets against sides from a higher division is pleasing. There’s now competition for places, which gives me a problem, but I’ve got the basis of the team in my mind.

“I’ve given people opportunities and the youngsters who have come in have done well.

“Ryan Peake and Matt Dodd, who both played for the youth team last year, did well against Leatherhead, as did George Murphy when he came on.

“He’s a good size, quick and did well in the build-up to the goal.”

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Rebels have not had things go all their own way, though, as key midfielder Mike Huckett went off injured on Saturday. At first, it was feared he had broken his ankle and White said: “His ankle was like a balloon, so we’re pleased it’s not broken.

“He’s been told he’ll be out for six to eight weeks but it’s one of those which could be four weeks. He says he’s targeting the start of the season, although I think it might be just after that.”

Striker Steve Davies also went off on Saturday with a scratched eye sustained when scoring the only goal against Lewes, but he would have been fit to play on Tuesday had he been available.

Midfielder Tom Manton did some training before the game on Tuesday and White is hopeful that he could be fit for the start of the season, as well as Luke Gedling.

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Former Hassocks midfielder Spencer Slaughter has signed for Rebels after impressing on trial and White has also been pleased with fellow midfielder Adam Hunt, who is still on trial.

He said: “We’ve been impressed with Spencer, so have signed him on and Adam has done well.

“He’ll be staying with us and we’ll see how he gets on.

“I like his attitude. He listens to what we say and takes it on board and that goes a long way with me.”

Jamie Brotherton got the only goal against Leatherhead, while Steve Metcalf and Ryan McBride were on target against Redhill.

Worthing are away to Peacehaven on Saturday. Winger Tom Lawley is back available.