MATCH REPORT: Worthing 2-2 Chippenham Town | National League South | Saturday 3rd January
Late leveller denies Bluebirds after outstanding away display at Worthing
We produced a superb away performance at Worthing but were forced to settle for a point after a stoppage-time equaliser saw the match finish 2–2 on the south coast.
The Bluebirds made the perfect start. With just eight minutes played, Sol Wanjau-Smith reacted quickest to a fantastic cross from Tom Owen-Evans inside the area to turn the ball home from close range, giving Chippenham an early and deserved lead after a bright opening spell.
Worthing responded with sustained pressure, striking the base of the post from a corner midway through the first half. Will Henry was in good form between the sticks, making several smart stops throughout the first half.
Billy Phillips then went close after being found cleverly by Wanjau-Smith, sending a shot narrowly over as CTFC went in ahead at the break.
Half-time: Worthing 0-1 Chippenham Town
The tempo remained high after the restart. Owen-Evans fired just wide from distance before Henry again produced a crucial save on 64 minutes to preserve the lead. Substitute Olaf Koszela added fresh energy, and minutes later Ezio Touray made an instant impact, capitalising on a loose rearward pass from the hosts and with his first touches a low right footed finish made it 2–0.
Worthing pulled one back with just three minutes of normal time remaining as Nathan Odokonyero rounded off a free-flowing Worthing move, despite the best attempt of Will Henry’s outstretched arm and leg.
As eight minutes of stoppage time was signalled, Worthing threw everything forward. Henry produced a stunning save in added time, flying across to his right to turn the ball wide.
In the eighth minute of stoppage time a Hail Mary cross into the area was bundled home by Worthing’s captain Joel Colbran to level the score.
Despite the disappointment at the death CTFC can take pride in the performance and result, it is the first time that Worthing have dropped home league points this season under Manager Adam Hinshelwood.
