Worthing 'show courage' but fall to first back-to-back defeat

The top-of-the-table clash was settled by a late Ira Jackson strike as Worthing’s lead at the summit was cut to just two points as they suffered their first back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season.

It represented a third successive home loss in all competitions for Hinshelwood’s side while the result also saw Folkestone become the first team to complete the double over them this term.

Despite their lead being at the top being narrowed, Hinshelwood isn’t too concerned.

He said: “We showed courage and tried to play our way but we didn’t make the most of the areas that we got the ball into or work their goalkeeper anywhere near enough.

“But, in terms of the players attitude and how they conducted themselves, you can’t fault their work rate and their effort. It was just one of those days where it didn’t happen for us but it’s a day to reflect and learn from.

“You don’t always get what you deserve in games and maybe we rode our luck to go on the run we had but it’s not a time for looking back on back-to-back defeats, it’s all about looking forward now with 12 games to go.

"I honestly believe that if we maintain the same performance levels that we’ve shown in the last few games, we’ll still be up there challenging. None of us would have thought that at the start of the season.”

An impressive crowd of 1,410 were treated to a world-class save from Carl Rushworth, who tipped Michael Everitt’s point-blank header over the crossbar.

Ricky Aguiar fired a free-kick narrowly wide before the hosts had a huge let-off when Aarran Racine lost the ball to Jerson Dos Santos, who rounded Rushworth but slid an effort wide of the near post from a tight angle.

The deadlock was finally broken by the visitors in the 87th minute when Rushworth couldn’t keep out Jackson’s deflected effort.

Kieron Pamment attempted to restore parity as he smashed a volley wide of the post before Rushworth made another crucial block to deny Jackson a second.

Worthing travel to Lewes on Wednesday night.

Worthing: Rushworth, Colbran, Barker, Racine, Young, Parsons (Pamment 75’), Aguiar, Meekums (Dawes 55’), Hunte (Armstrong 55’), Pearce, Stevens. Unused: Budd, Pattenden.