Parkwood had lost just one of their opening six South East Counties Women’s League Premier Division matches but Worthing maintained their perfect start to the league season with goals from Molly Clark, Hannah Hewlett and Tammy Waine.
Worthing went into the game after beating leaders Lewes the previous week but chances were few and far between early on.
The best of the opportunities all came Worthing’s way in the first half. Hewlett and Gemma Worsfold both had shots saved, while Hewlett headed over from a corner and Beth Kincaid fired just wide.
Worthing started the second half brightly and took the lead on 52 minutes. Kincaid broke clear down the right and her low cross was tapped home at the back post by Clark.
Hewlett and Rebecca Barron sent efforts over as Worthing pushed for a second, before Parkwood were denied an equaliser by an acrobatic save by Worthing keeper Amy Coster.
Parkwood again went close when a shot was fired over following a corner, before Worthing went 2-0 ahead on 73 minutes when Hewlett drove the ball home after the Parkwood keeper spilled the ball in a challenge with Worsfold.
It quickly became 3-0 when Waine netted for the 24th successive season after Hewlett headed down Clark’s cross.
Sara Tubby and Clark went close to adding a fourth for Worthing late on but Worthing boss Michelle Lawrence was pleased to return home with all three points.
After recording a fifth consecutive league win, she said: “The pitch did not lend itself to free-flowing football and Parkwood were determined in their play. I saw a different side to the team; they had to be patient and they had to match Parkwood’s doggedness. We’ve not faced that style of football this season and I am pleased with how the players adapted.”
Defender Waine added: “It was one of those games where the priority was three points and conditions meant it would not be pretty at times.”
On her goal, Waine said: “I am delighted to get my first goal for the club and to continue my record of scoring in every one of the 24 seasons I’ve completed.”
