Henley just a bit too heavy for Worthing

Henley, whose men and women play in the South League, a grade above Worthing's teams, won 4-2, so Worthing now drop into the Plate on March 9.

Soon 2-0 down, Worthing replied with a cracker. Alex Warner's crossfield aerial pass found Dan Ginnaw who had sprung forward from midfield. He played a one-two with skipper David Edmondson just outside the circle, and despatched the ball into the far corner.

As if that was not temerity enough, Warner's drag flick levelled the scores before half-time.

It was six minutes from the end of the game before Henley could be sure of progress. They edged in front and added a fourth as Worthing urged forward to try to salvage the game.

Afterwards Edmondson commented: "We went behind in the first half just through losing the ball in midfield and exposing ourselves to their counter attack. But they have a very strong squad, a very solid team.

"We came back well, though and scored a great goal. Then in the second half, Binnsy (Chris Binns] made some great saves to keep us in it. After they went 3-2 ahead we made a last-ditch attempt to win it and pushed on. We did have one short corner and were unlucky not to be awarded another.

"A special mention for our two ladies 2nd XI players, Brenda and Theresa, who both did an excellent job in central midfield."

WORTHING: Chris Binns; Andy Williams, Emma Cannell, Jamie Luke; Alex Warner; Beth Warner, Dan Ginnaw, Theresa Cooper; Andie Chambers; Shelley Formstone, David Edmondson. Subs: Brenda Strachan, David Clayton.

Worthing College beat Central Sussex by a scrapped-out 1-0 in their mixed league match with a short-corner strike from James Anderson. Jon Coutts set him up by feinting to shoot then returning Anderson his original pass.

A stong Worthing start did not bring goals, despite their enjoying much possession. Later, Beth Burchett cleared off the Worthing line.