It was the first game of the season and the first time Predators had played in B division, so it’s fair to say there was a mix of excitement and nerves amongst players, managers and parents. The match was played at Worthing United’s ground at Hill Barn on a hot, muggy day, and everyone was keen to get started.
First Half
The match kicked off and Predators took an early lead thanks to a penalty drilled in by Noah. One of the Worthing defenders had handled the ball in the area and the referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Noah’s conversion gave Predators confidence and a few minutes later they doubled their lead thanks to a great goal by Alex, who weaved his way past a few defenders before tucking the ball past the Worthing keeper.
The Predators’ advantage didn’t last though as Worthing got into their stride. They’re a tall, strong team with some really skillful players and pulled one back when they broke on the right and shot past Ryan in the Predators goal.
Worthing then pulled level after winning a free kick which was sent into the area, with one of their strikers striking it into the back of the net.
The referee blew the whistle for a water break which was a great chance for Predators to regroup. When the match restarted they created a great move on the left, with a cross into the middle where Harley passed the ball to Curtis but his close-range shot was saved well by the Worthing keeper.
It was a very closely-fought match with Worthing showcasing their skills and aerial dominance but Predators worked really hard to contain them. Worthing let rip with a few long range efforts but Ryan dealt with them successfully. Mass was busy in midfield, challenging for the ball and dribbling around the opposition.
Then Predators took the lead again with a contender for goal of the season – or maybe we should award it already? They won a free kick in their own half when Worthing were penalised for a handball, and pushed players into the penalty area in anticipation of a cross. But Jacob had other ideas, and from over 50 yards he shot into the top corner of the net. It was a worldy! Jacob rightfully celebrated and the team ran down the pitch to congratulate him. His Dad wasn’t too happy though as it cost him a fiver!
With the match restarted, Worthing pushed forward again, breaking through from the right wing, and were bearing down on Ryan but luckily he made a great save to preserve the Predators lead.
There was still time for Alex to unleash a cannonball shot but a defender bravely blocked it to deny him a goal, just as the ref blew for half time
Half time : Worthing United 2, Predators 3
Second Half
The second half kicked off and Predators won a free kick, but Mass’s long range shot went over the bar. Then the action switched to the other end with Worthing winning a free kick but Ryan did brilliantly to parry it away.
Then Predators extended their lead thanks to Mass who weaved his way through the defence and his shot was saved by the keeper but it bounced off a defender for an own goal to make it 4-2.
Predators had more chances with Alex going through on goal but his shot was tipped away by the keeper for a corner. It was end-to-end stuff with Worthing breaking next, with their shot hitting the post before Dom brilliantly tackled the opposition player who had been poised for an easy tap-in.
Then play switched to the other end with the ball being passed from the right wing to Curtis who was free in the area but he was denied a goal when the Worthing keeper made a superb save at close range, tipping the ball onto the post and out again.
Worthing attacked next and were unlucky not to get a goal when their shot hit the bar, bouncing back down and away from the goal, with Daniel heading it away.
At the other end Predators won a free kick when Mass was fouled and Curtis lined up to take it from around 30 yards out. He fired the ball in and it was on target but the keeper saved it.
Then Worthing pulled a goal back, when the ball bounced around the Predators penalty area and their striker beat all the defenders to the ball, knocking it past Ryan to make it 3-4.
The last five minutes were very tense and each team took turns to attack each other’s goal. Every player played their part, with the subs coming on to save some tired legs, and getting stuck in to help the cause. They were tackling, running, defending and attacking, just trying to keep the ball and hang onto the lead. Eventually the referee blew the final whistle and Predators could celebrate a well-earned three points to start the season.
Final score : Worthing United 3, Predators 4
Scorers : Noah, Alex, Jacob, OG
