HARTY: On the Albion and local boxing

Leeds United looked head and shoulders above any team I've seen in League One for years and I left the Withdean on Saturday almost thankful we lost only 3-0.

Another heavy defeat, 4-1, followed on Tuesday against Norwich '“ another side in League One because of their form on the pitch, but with an infrastructure and aspirations to be higher up the football ladder.

So, with the glass half full, there's no shame in two defeats against top sides, given the fact that Gus Poyet's tenure as manager at the club is still in its infancy.

On the flip side, with the glass half empty, it could be argued that, while he got the Albion out of relegation trouble last season, Russell Slade well and truly came up short in his preparation and his activity in the transfer market.

The phrase "too good to go down" is often used in football. But, at the Albion, it's not just words. The performance against Southampton proved how good they can be on their day.

Hopefully, there will be more days like the Sunday before last than the last two games, and a respectable mid-table position come May will allow Poyet and his back-room team to have a proper pre-season next summer.

There's welcome respite from Albion's current league troubles this weekend in the shape of the FA Cup second round.

Without wishing to tempt fate, an extremely winnable home tie against Rushden & Diamonds could be the preamble to the Albion getting a lucrative third round draw against one of the Premiership giants and the much-needed financial windfall that would bring.

I'll be heading over to the Withdean for a bit of dinner and a few drinks with a genuine local football legend with a strong FA Cup pedigree.

It's hard to believe that it's 27 years since Geoff Raynsford captained Worthing in their second round tie against Oxford United. The 4-0 scoreline flattered the then League club and, even now, all these years later, there's still an argument for "what might have been" as the Rebels had a great shout for a penalty when the scores were level.

The boot is firmly on the other foot this Saturday. Clearly, somewhere around the country, there will be a cup shock. Given the Albion's current form, aside from the excellent result at Southampton, Rushden will come to the Withdean fancying their chances.

Hopefully, their hopes will be well and truly dashed and an Albion win will see them into the old velvet bag for the third round draw on Sunday.

Amateur boxing makes a welcome return to Worthing next Friday, December 4, as the Shoreham-based Adur Boxing Club hosts an open show at Davison Leisure Centre, in Selbourne Road.

Doors open at 7pm and admission is 10 adults and 6 for senior citizens and under-16s.

Perhaps, in the not too distant future, I will be able to write about Worthing Boxing Club hosting their debut show?

There are a number of businessmen in the town willing to help back the venture. And, by having a boxing club, it would represent an important investment in part of the youth of the town.

But, what is also needed, is the council to give the project their full and unequivocal support. Otherwise, the whole thing is dead in the water.

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