For the final time this summer, the Rebels were gearing up for another friendly, as fifth tier side Braintree were in town.
While the result in pre-season matches is largely immaterial, a win for Chris Agutter’s side would represent a successful end to the period of preparation, ahead of next Saturday’s season opener.
The Iron controlled the opening exchanges, causing goalkeeper Seb Stacey to be called into action on a couple of occasions.
Sahid Kamara was creating plenty of issues down the right-flank and unleashed a shot towards goal in the 10th minute, but Harry Ransom was hand to block the shot and soften the blow before the ball travelled into Stacey’s grasp.
Moments later, the MK Dons loanee produced a stunning save to deny a rasping effort from the left foot of Fletcher Alexander-Hubbard. The teenager picked up a pocket of space inside the area and his strike looked destined for the top corner. Fortunately for the hosts, Stacey’s right wrist withstood the pressure of the strike and cleared the ball away from danger,.
However, there was nothing the goalkeeper could do to prevent Kamara from finding the back of the net midway through the first period. Quick thinking from Tommy Smith saw the defender pick out the pacy winger with a lofted free-kick from deep. Kamara burst clear of the attention of Sam Beard before poking the ball into the bottom corner from close-range.
After falling behind, Worthing began to pose more questions for the opposition. Nathan Odokonyero managed our first shot of the encounter, which he sliced wide after failing to connect cleanly.
Braintree continued to provide a threat on the break and almost doubled their lead before the end of the first half.
After cutting inside, Chay Cooper’s curling shot was pushed aside by Stacey and into the path of Kamara. The former Welling United forward was denied his second of the afternoon by Beard, who valiantly threw his body in front of the subsequent effort.
Following the interval, the Rebels looked much sharper in possession and were beginning to exploit the spaces in a more efficient manner.
Within two minutes of the restart, Braintree skipper George Langston almost turned Temi Babalola’s dangerous cross into his own net. The defender blew a sigh of relief as the ball went out for a corner.
Babalola was proving to be the outlet for the hosts with much of the play being aimed in his direction. The 24-year-old managed to bear down on goal twice, but Braintree Trialist goalkeeper was equal to his efforts.
The visitors eventually succumbed to the incessant pressure and saw their goal breached after they failed to clear the lines.
Industrious work from Glen Rea resulted in the experienced midfielder profiting from a goalmouth scramble and firing in the leveller past the Trialist. A second goal of pre-season for Rea, who also netted in the 2-2 draw away to Lewes last weekend.
Braintree created very little in the second period, aside from Alan Judge’s speculative half-volley from range that whistled just wide of the post.
With the clock ticking, only one side looked likely to claim victory. And it was the hosts who managed to grab the winner.
After scoring against Hastings United during midweek, defender Sam Packham turned provider this afternoon as he delivered an inch-perfect cross onto the head of Bailey Smith. Full of confidence after a prolific pre-season, Smith deftly nodded past the ‘keeper to give his side the advantage with minutes to spare.
Shortly after, referee Steve Hughes blew his whistle for the final time – not only to signal the end of the match – but also to conclude our pre-season campaign. A triumph over a team in the league above is always a good way to prepare for a gruelling season.
We welcome Bath City to the Sussex Transport Community Stadium next weekend, as our 2025/26 National League South campaign commences.
Worthing: Stacey, Colbran (C), Cook, Ransom (Coleman De-Graft 64′), Beard (Byron 61′), Wheeler (Packham 61′); Odei (Burgess 64′), Rea (F.Smith 84′), Spong (Frimpong 70′); Odokonyero (Dolaghan 61′), Babalola (B.Smith 64′)
Subs not used: Jordan, Short
Scorers: Rea 73′, Smith 88′
Attendance: 682
