A goal either side of the interval was followed up by an 84th minute penalty from the our top scorer to complete his three-goal haul. The hat-trick hero also supplied the other goal of the night as he teed up Razzaq Coleman De-Graft to score our third of the evening.

The visitors’ game plan was clear from referee Dan Baines’ first whistle. Their defensive structure was incredibly rigid and tested the patience of the hosts, who enjoyed the lion share of possession. However, they couldn’t fashion a chance of any real note against the Totton resistance in the opening 20 minutes. A few corners failed to find their intended target as the Stags stood firm.

Dolaghan almost opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, in what was the first attempt of the match from either side. A swift turn on the edge of the box was followed up by a curling left-footed shot that bounced off the crossbar and out for a goal kick in the 21st minute.

Adam Hinshelwood’s side continued to press forward and George Cox rippled the side-netting with a half-volley after ghosting in behind the Totton defence. The hosts eventually reaped the rewards of their dominance four minutes before the break.

The scorer of the opener had an air of inevitability about it. After being denied by the frame of the goal earlier on in the match, Dolaghan netted his 11th of the season in all competitions to break the deadlock.

Joe Cook arrowed a path into a pocket of space, which was occupied by Teddy Jenks. An adroit turn was followed by a powerful drilled effort that stung the palms of AFC Totton goalkeeper Matt Hall. So much so, that the ball was spilled by the shot-stopper and landed at the feet of the irrepressible force that is Dolaghan. After controlling the ball smartly, the academy graduate delicately lifted a finish into the net to breach Hall’s net.

However, for all of Worthing’s dominance, they needed a heroic block from Toby Byron to prevent Totton from equalising in the last action of the half. Craig Tanner released Ashley Clarke, who despite being sent off during the weekend’s home defeat to Ebbsfleet United was available to play, and the forward raced into the penalty area. The AFC Bournemouth loanee hesitated on pulling the trigger, which allowed Byron to race back and execute a timely tackle to stop the ball travelling in the direction of Josh Jeffries’ goal.

It took just three minutes of the second period for Worthing, and Dolaghan, to double their tally for the evening. Jenks was instrumental in the move again, as he slipped in his striker down the left-flank. The 20-year-old advanced on goal and somehow snuck the ball past Hall at his near post with his weak foot to give his side a comfortable cushion.

In an attempt to salvage something from the contest, opposition manager Jimmy Ball opted to make a quadruple move midway through the second half.

However, the alterations came to no avail, as a brief boost in possession fizzled out. The three points were all but secured in the 77th minute as a fast break resulted in our third goal. Dolaghan played through Coleman De-Graft, who chopped onto his stronger left-foot and curled a shot goalward. Hall got a strong palm to it, but all he could was push the ball into the sky and watch it bounce over the line. A sixth goal of the campaign for the WFCSA October of the Month.

The Rebels were relentless and scored our fourth in minute 84. Substitutes Kwaku Frimpong and Matt Burgess injected some extra impetus into proceedings and the latter’s determination won his side a penalty as he was fouled inside the area. Jack Spong unselfishly bestowed the responsibility of taking the kick to Dolaghan – with outcome coming toa surprise to no one as he blasted the ball into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick.

A late push from the visitors to record a consolation was met with vigour by Harry Ransom, Cook and Byron. A third successive clean sheet shows the defensive solidity amongst the backline.

Another three points at Woodside Road elevates Worthing into third position and are now only eight points off league leaders Hornchurch with a game in hand.