23/4/2008

Sport

Football - Casuals lose to promotion chasers

Walton Casuals               1      
Worthing                          2

WORTHING inflicted just Walton Casuals’ fifth home league defeat of the campaign to claim their place in the play-offs.

In an even first half that saw both defences on top, Jamel Carr came the closest to opening the scoring after 32 minutes when his run from the right and powerful shot was saved by Rikki Banks.

A shot by Worthing forward Jamie Brotherton skidded across Craig Bradshaw’s bar after 53 minutes and minutes later Steve Tyson had an effort that went just wide.

The turning point of this match came on 68 minutes when Walton’s influential central defender John Ambridge, who had been suffering with flu had to leave the pitch.

Within a minute Worthing took the lead when Ben Johnson beat Jack Francis and lobbed Bradshaw.

The lead was doubled a minute later when Scott Kirkwood was given a free header from a corner.

Captain Craig Lewington  clawed one back from the spot with just three minutes remaining, but it proved too little too late, as Worthing claimed a play-off place.

First printed in: News & Mail Series