On Tuesday 8^thMarch, the Young Hawks headed West to take on champions Worthing, who had secured the league title just a few days before. It was always going to be a tough game, with Worthing unbeaten this season. Winning would have been some feat considering the form they were in. 

 

Despite this, Whitehawk made a dream start after 11 minutes, with Will Gilbert’s free kick taking a deflection off the head of a defender before crashing down off the crossbar – coming off the back of the keeper before going into the back of the net. Whitehawk 1, Worthing 0. 

 

Unfortunately for the Young Hawks, it was one way traffic thereafter, with Rocco Gamblin equalising on the 16 minute mark, a sumptuous driven strike that nestled itself in the bottom right-hand corner. Whitehawk 1, Worthing 1. 

 

The Young Hawks fought well, seemingly equal to their opponents from West Sussex, however with 35 minutes on the clock Worthing were fired into the lead by a Bradley Donaghan finish of immense quality from the edge of the box, struck into the top left-hand corner – leaving Dailly with no chance. Whitehawk 1, Worthing 2. 

 

Worthing claimed another on the stroke of half time, a brace for Donaghan not long after the ball had hit the underside of the bar and stayed out. A skilful flick from a low ball across the face of goal made it Whitehawk 1, Worthing 3 at the halfway point. 

 

The Young Hawks came out for the second half with renewed determination, however were quickly undone by an early Worthing goal, coming in the 53^rdminute courtesy of Ezra Roeg after the ball was given away passing out from the back. Whitehawk 1, Worthing 4. 

 

From such a strong start, it was very unfortunate to see the game slip away from the Young Hawks, however you could see how Worthing were unbeaten this season – considering their slick attacking play. In such a vein, much to Whitehawk’s dismay, they made it five with 72 minutes gone. It was an easy tap-in for Donaghan, a hat-trick for him on the night. 

 

To round off proceedings, despite the ball going flat Worthing managed to score a sixth despite mass confusion in the Whitehawk defence. A fourth goal for Donaghan made it a night to remember for him, probably one to forget for the Young Hawks despite a strong first half showing. 

 

Whitehawk remain 10^thin the table.

 

Congratulations to Worthing, who are champions of the Isthmian Youth South League for the 2021-22 season.