The contest provided a good test for the young Reds as they took on an experienced Lancing side, filled with plenty of first-team players. This all being planned as part of a programme for the young squad to gain experience playing against Men’s teams, to showcase their talent and to help them progress into Men’s football.

Both sides matched up in terms of styles and it came down to quality and patience on the night to create space for chances. Stan Berry had the first of those chances early on after a good through ball from Cooper Renzulli, but he was denied by a good save from the Lancers’ no.1.

Worthing’s bright start continued as chances for Cavan Gratwick and Trialist A followed in the opening 20 minutes, but neither of them found their way into the net.

31 minutes in, the Rebels were rewarded for the bright start that they’d made. Berry played a dangerous low cross in from the left and after a bit of a scramble inside the area, it was eventually turned in by a Lancing defender to hand Worthing the lead.

The Rebels doubled their lead just before half-time from a long throw-in. A long ball from the back resulted in a throw-in for the Reds on around the 18-yard line which was launched into the area. Following another scramble in the box, the ball fell to Trialist A who tucked it home with a left-footed shot.

Into the second half, after a lot of half-time changes, the Rebels lost their way a little bit as Lancing grew into the game but without creating anything clear-cut. Dan Gibson in the Worthing net made a few comfortable saves.

Despite their dip in quality, the Reds created arguably the best chance of the half when Trialist A was through on goal, he opted to fire at goal with the square ball across the box available, but the shot was saved.

It was a good test for the young side who got some valuable minutes into their legs against an experienced opposition. The club would like to thank Lancing for hosting the friendly and wish them the best of luck for the season ahead.

Worthing XI: Trialist GK, Trialist A, Ben Royall, Trialist B, Danny Jordan, Ollie Cowdrey, Cooper Renzulli, Trialist C, Stan Berry, Cavan Gratwick, Luca Allen

Subs (all used): Dylan Walter, Dan Gibson, David Castenheira, Ellis Collier, Jack Downie, Archie Stairs