Worthing Women seal promotion target with five-star display

Goals from Sara Tubby, Chloe Lelliot, Tammy Waine, Sophie Frost and Sophie Humphrey secured a 14th league win in a row for Michelle Lawrence’s side in another action-packed afternoon at Woodside Road.

The Reds are currently undefeated in the league with 14 wins from 14 games, scoring 62 goals and conceding just four in the process.

Manager Michelle Lawrence said: “When we came together in the summer we set one target and that was to gain promotion.

“This challenge could have weighed heavy on the players’ minds but, to their credit, they have been relentless.”

She continued: “As you can imagine, with growing concerns over the coronavirus, celebrations have been a little muted.

“We may not play another game this season so I am pleased we got the chance to secure the points total needed.

"I want to thank both sets of players, the coaches, match officials, volunteers and spectators for getting the game played.”

The hosts began brightly from the outset and had two chances to open the scoring inside the first five minutes.

Frost came close when her low, long-range drive was pushed away before Tubby saw a speculative effort fly high and wide of the Newhaven goal.

Worthing’s opener came just three minutes later.

Tubby made no mistake from ten yards out with a fine low finish into the bottom right corner to give her side the lead in under ten minutes.

Lelliott was next to go close for the home side when her effort from close range crashed into the side netting.

Frost saw another effort well blocked as the visitors continued to come under pressure.

Worthing were almost pegged back on 35 minutes when a dangerous Newhaven cross was punched away by Amy Coster.

The Worthing shot stopper then produced another smart sprawling save to deny Paige Ripley.

The Reds came out all guns blazing in the second half and finally found their second goal on 52 minutes.

Newhaven's aerieal frailties were exposed ruthleesly as Lelliott expertly headed into the net from a corner.

Hewlett came close to adding a third when her header from a Mee corner was well gathered, before Worsfold’s stinging shot flew narrowly wide of the far post.

Humphrey added a third on 79 minutes after the Worthing winger showed great pace to beat her marker and calmly finish to put the result beyond all doubt.

Two more goals in the closing stages sealed another dominant Worthing display.

Frost reacted quickest to a loose ball to add her name to the scoresheet before Waine blasted in from close-range in stoppage-time.

Worthing: Coster, Barron, Marshall, Mee, Robson, Thompson-Agbro, McKellar, Leliott, Tubby, Frost, Waine. Subs: Humphrey, Hewlett, Worsfold