An own goal, a hat trick from Gemma Worsfold, a double from Sophie Humphrey and a fantastic strike from Sara Tubby gave Michelle Lawrence’s side two wins from their first two games of the season.

The visitors made a dream start with just 10 minutes on the clock. Following great build up play between Humphrey and Tubby, the latter unleashed a fierce drive from range which flew over home keeper Abbie Potter and into the top corner to make it 1-0. Despite their positive start, Worthing almost gifted the hosts an immediate equaliser, when keeper Amy Coster parried a cross straight onto Tammy Waine’s midriff, with the ball cannoning just wide of the near post.

Tubby then had the chance to double her tally on 15 minutes, however this time her shot flew high and wide following more neat build up play. Worthing continued to press and found a second goal on 25 minutes as Humphrey collected a short corner and curled a sumptuous effort past Potter to put Lawrence’s side in control.

After soaking up more pressure, Herne Bay had a fantastic chance to halve the deficit when Jemma Barton found space on the left and delivered a perfect cross for Sophie Gifford, who only side footed a tame effort into Coster’s arms from five yards. That miss would prove costly moments later as Worthing added a delightful third on the half hour mark. Tubby set Rebecca Thompson-Agbro free, her cutback was then brilliantly flicked into the net by Gemma Worsfold, with the last touch coming from a defender.

Despite seeing Hannah Hewlett’s header ruled out for offside, Worthing made it four on the stroke of half time. Following another fast break, Tubby’s brilliant through ball again found Humphrey, who calmly lifted the ball over Potter and into the net to put the game seemingly out of sight.

Ahead of the second half, Lawrence introduced Elinor Adie between the sticks for Coster, as she looked to give both of her keepers a run out. Humphrey also made way for Ashleigh Kirby, who added a different element in attack.

Herne Bay came out rejuvenated for the second period and almost profited within a minute of the restart as Foster’s free kick smashed off Adie’s crossbar, with no one able to turn in the rebound.

After an emphatic first half, Worthing continued to press early in the second period and quickly found a fifth goal on 50 minutes. Sara Hinton showed great strength on the edge of the box and her cushioned pass found Worsfold, who’s exquisite lob found the corner of the net. Tubby then saw another terrific effort hit the bar as her side continued to dominate. Lawrence reintroduced Humphrey for Hinton 20 minutes from time as she reshuffled her attack once again.

Worsfold then grabbed her hat hat trick as Worthing again showed their threat from set pieces. Tubby’s free kick from distance was spilled by the unfortunate Potter, allowing Worthing’s number 10 to tap into an unguarded net to pile the misery on the home side and bring the score to 6-0. The only downside to Worthing’s afternoon was an injury to Chloe Lelliot, who was forced off as Worthing finished with 10.

The rout was completed five minutes from time as Worsfold once again found space in the box to score from close range, after more great work from Tubby. That was the final action of a pulsating game at Winch’s Field, as Worthing produced a superb display to earn all three points and a clean sheet comfortably.

Speaking after the game, Lawrence was delighted with her teams clinical performance as she continues to implement her ideas, She said
“It was great to start the season with a win and given the way the game played out, it was nice to keep a clean sheet. It was also important that the players kept their discipline and continued to practice the things we’ve been working on.”

Hattrick hero Gemma Worsfold was also pleased with her teams ruthlessness in front of goal. She said “It was a decent performance this week after a frustrating game last week. I still feel like we have a lot more to give but we’re starting to show our true potential. It’s nice to make the long drive home with a well deserved three points.”

Worthing will have seldom time to celebrate their victory, as they prepare to face an unbeaten Crawley Wasps team in their Combination Leagues Cup clash on Wednesday evening.