Worthing boss slams costly decisions

Rebels led 2-1 at their division-higher opponents when Folkestone had Liam Dickson red-carded for a foul on Callum Saunders early in the second half.

Despite a numerical advantage, White felt that decision changed the game and said: “The sending-off, which was the right decision, turned the game.

“I don’t like to blame officials but I felt the referee then tried to even things up. He gave them two penalties – the first was nailed on, although the second was just a nonsense and their third goal came from a free kick, when John Lansdale was fouled by their player first.

“It’s disappointing. For an hour we were decent but, after the red card, it was like the referee was trying to make amends for his decision.”

Worthing fell behind on five minutes when Zac Beda lost his man from a free a kick and Frankie Chappell headed home.

Mike Huckett equalised from the penalty spot on 20 minutes after Josh Vincent handled Callum Saunders’ shot and Rebels were ahead three minutes later. After an excellent team move involving Tom Lawley, Tom Manton and Terry Dodd, Huckett fired home for his ninth goal of the season.

There were no clear chances at either end until Dickson’s dismissal and Folkestone were awarded their first penalty on 52 minutes after a foul by Tony Timms.

But with Seb Barton ineligible, Michael Hunter and James Fernandes injured, and the paper work for Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Tom Godfrey to join on work experience not through in time, German Benedict Moricz, who has been training with Rebels, made his debut and saved Darren Smith’s spot-kick.

Eight minutes later, Moricz went out for a cross, Rebels felt he got both hands on the ball but he knocked into a Folkestone forward and a penalty was awarded, which James Everitt put away.

White was also unhappy with Folkestone’s third goal. He felt Lansdale was fouled on the left wing, but he stayed on his feet and then tripped the Folkestone forward, and Everitt scored from the resulting free kick with 10 minutes left.

With Rebels pushing for an equaliser, Simon Austin got Folkestone’s fourth on 88 minutes.

Worthing host Horsham in a friendly on Saturday (3pm), before they travel to Fleet in Ryman League Division 1 South on Tuesday.

Steve Metcalf is unavailable, so Jamie Groves could make his first Worthing appearance of the season.

WORTHING: Moricz; Lansdale, Beda, T.Timms, Metcalf; Gedling, Huckett; Saunders, Manton, Lawley; T.Dodd. Subs: Geard (Saunders 60), Charles (Manton 80), Pulling, M.Dodd, James.