Worthing vs Bognor. A fixture seeped in rivalry that transcends any age group. And for the young Rebels, Bognor Regis was standing in their way from progressing into the FA Youth Cup Third Qualifying Round. Safe to say a lot was at stake, not just bragging rights, but a chance of keeping dreams alive of reaching unchartered territory in the famous competition.

From the first whistle, the contest was played at a tempo befitting of a derby, with both sets of players committing to challenges and putting their all into every action.

Following on from his hat-trick heroics in the previous round against Horsham, Worthing skipper Will O’Brien had the first attempt on goal of the evening. However, his strike from range was comfortably gathered by opposing goalkeeper Alfie Barnes.

Bognor broke up the other end and replied with a shot of their own, but fortunately for the Rebels goalkeeper Archie Short spread himself adequately and was equal to Louie Williams’ slotted effort in the sixth minute.

Shortly after, Ignas Azuolaitis was denied the opening goal by the woodwork as he struck the post with a curling strike.

The Rebels may have rode their luck but they didn’t need to depend on chance to net the winning goal with 18 minutes on the clock. A cross from the left-flank by Liam Hill was firmly met by Brean Plaku, who nodded a textbook header past Barnes. An early lead for the hosts in a heated encounter.

The remainder of first half was relatively even, as Worthing protected their advantage heading into the interval. Oliver Cowdrey forced Barnes into action with a looping header, while Bognor’s Laurantiu Sandrea glanced just wide of the mark.

Bognor dominated the opening exchanges of the second period as they tried to level matters at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. Patient play resulted in them fashioning a glorious opportunity to breach Short’s net only to be denied by the confident shot-stopper. A cross from the right was attacked by substitute Albie Scott, but on the lunge the teenager couldn’t quite get proper purchase on the shot. Short anticipated the situation with experience beyond his tender years to smother the ball.

Valiant defending from the Rebels ensured their clean sheet stayed intact. Cowdrey, who at this point was sporting the armband after O’Brien’s departure from the field, executed a fearless block to stop Sendrea from advancing in the box.

Deep into stoppage-time, Worthing secured the victory through ‘super-sub’ Josh Harland, who made an impact off the bench once again in this competition. After scoring twice in additional time in last week’s FA Youth cup win over Horsham, Harland netted again with virtually the last kick of the game.

Liam Hill’s curling strike forced Barnes to parry straight back into the six-yard-box, where Harland was on hand to pounce on the rebound to put the game beyond doubt.

Seconds later, referee Jamie Wells blew his whistle to end a feisty cup tie. Another clean sheet for the Rebels courtesy of another resolute defensive showing and they are through to the third qualifying round of the prestigious competition, with the opposition at the next stage currently unknown.