Worthing Dynamo U13 Black hosted Rustington Otters U13 at Durrington High School on 14 September 2025, with kick-off at 1:30pm in a league fixture. The 70-minute contest ended in a 4-2 defeat for Worthing Dynamo, despite a spirited performance on home soil. Referee Harry Ward oversaw the 11-a-side match, which saw plenty of action and tactical shifts.
Worthing Dynamo lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Toby Rennie on the right, Toby Killick centrally, and Isaish Hatton on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Theo Phillips on the right, Leo Whyatt and Archie Parker-Muckle centrally, and Teddy Gill on the left, providing width and support. Harrison Flanagan operated as the attacking midfielder behind the two forwards, Rudy Clark on the right and Lewis Langdell on the left. This setup aimed to balance defensive solidity with midfield creativity and attacking options. The substitutes named were Bailey Freshwater and Woody Mason.
The match began with Worthing Dynamo taking an early lead. In the 12th minute, Harrison Flanagan found the net, expertly finishing after an assist from Lewis Langdell, who had carved open the Rustington defence. However, the visitors responded swiftly, equalising just two minutes later to level the score at 1-1.
Rustington Otters then took control, scoring again in the 26th minute to edge ahead. Worthing Dynamo sought to regain composure, but the Otters extended their lead further in the 35th minute, making it 3-1 before the break. Around this time, Worthing Dynamo made a double substitution: Bailey Freshwater replaced left defender Isaish Hatton at the 30-minute mark, and Woody Mason came on for central defender Toby Killick at 35 minutes. Shortly after, in a swift tactical reversal, Toby Killick returned to the pitch, replacing Mason just a minute later.
Despite the setbacks, Worthing Dynamo pulled a goal back just after half-time. Theo Phillips rose to meet a corner delivered by Leo Whyatt, heading the ball from close range into the net in the 39th minute. This goal narrowed the deficit to 3-2 and gave the home side renewed hope.
The first half concluded with a significant change as Woody Mason replaced goalkeeper Ellis Williams due to injury at the 45th minute, forcing Worthing Dynamo to adjust their defensive organisation. Toby K Stepped up and took the goal keeping gloves
Further changes were made with Isaish Hatton returning to the field, this time replacing forward Rudy Clark in the 48th minute. Worthing Dynamo pushed for an equaliser but were unable to break down the resilient Rustington defence.
Rustington Otters sealed their victory with a fourth goal in the 63rd minute, extending their lead to 4-2. Worthing Dynamo continued to battle but could not find a way back into the match.
Lewis Langdell’s performance stood out for Worthing Dynamo, earning him the player of the match accolade for his creativity and contribution, including the assist for the opening goal.
In summary, Worthing Dynamo U13 Black showed promise and determination but were ultimately undone by Rustington Otters’ clinical finishing and effective counterattacks at Durrington High. The home side will look to build on this experience in their upcoming fixtures.
