Tilley’s return inspires Hurst cup fightback over Worthing

A goal from the visitors on the hour was the ‘kick in the backside’ Hurst needed, and goals from Nick Tilley on an impressive return to the side and Luke Hickling saw them through.

“After two losses on the bounce I was beginning to wonder,” Hurst boss Mark Betts said. “I would describe it as a scruffy win against a well organised and spirited side. But there were some nerves, they had a good chance to double their lead not long after going ahead but thankfully Tom (Betts, goalkeeper) made a good save.”

After a largely uneventful opening period where both sides “huffed and puffed”, it was the Worthing Premier visitors who struck first, the striker capitalising on a misplaced pass, and moments after he was then thwarted by goalkeeper Betts.

The save proved crucial as after the impressive Tilly was fouled as he went to pull the trigger in the box he stepped up to score from the spot, and five minutes later Tilley released Hickling to win it with a neat finish.

Hurst: Betts; McLennan, Proto, Lambkin; Stepney, Simmons, Tilley, Saunders, Lewis (Hickling 65); Annis, Elliott (Geary 80).