Ringmer can’t build on flying start as Worthing United win day
Ringmer AFC let an early lead slip as they gradually faded in a 5-1 defeat to SCFL Division 1 promotion contenders Worthing United.
In their first match at the Caburn Community Ground for eight weeks, Ringmer were keen to entertain – and they delighted the crowd with a battling first 30 minutes.
The Blues were sharp in every challenge, won 50-50s, and broke at speed whenever they had the chance.
Wingers Rhys Taylor and Jake Lindsey, with full-backs Tyriece Whiteoak and Lucas Sewell in close support, stretched the away backline and forced several chances.
One such opportunity came from a Taylor corner in the 12th minute, which captain Charlie Northeast met with a touch that struck the Mavericks' Ethan Davey and went in.
Worthing are among the league's leading pack for good reason, though, and began to work some chances after Ringmer’s early dominance.
Naythan Bryson had to be alert to make two solid stops, while Ahmed Kamil's shouts for a penalty were waved away by referee Peter Lindsey. Then, in the 37th minute, a Worthing free-kick from left to right found Tom Butler at the far post, and a header across goal allowed Kamil to stab home.
The second half then swung in the Mavericks’ favour in the 57th minute, as another set-piece goal saw Davey get his head to a corner at the near post.
The Blues tried to muster a recovery, but visiting centre-backs Davey and Butler ensured goalkeeper Blu Abbott had little to do. At the other end, the introduction of United's top goalscorer, Ethan Roberts, decided the match.
In the 76th minute, Roberts received an excellent pass from fellow substitute Kliment Tanev and finished past Bryson. Roberts then doubled his tally in the 90th minute as he scampered away and sent a finish across goal.
Time still remained for the Mavericks to score with the last kick of the match, as Bryson was caught out by a fantastic 30-yard effort from midfielder Jordan Smith, which found the top left corner.
Ringmer welcome local rivals and fellow strugglers AFC Uckfield Town to the Caburn Community Ground this Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.
With both teams hovering around the drop zone and in need of points, this A26 derby is one not to be missed.
Ringmer AFC: Bryson, Whiteoak (Maybury, 88'), Sewell, Doyle, Northeast (C) (Hallett, 86'), Webster, Lindsey (Morris, 84'), Sey, Argyle (Buxton, 81'), Coleman (Turner, 64'), Taylor.