Home loss to Chelmsford is no disaster for Worthing FC boss

Saturday’s setback was only their third loss of the National South season and was their first by more than one goal – and Hinshelwood felt they’d given a good account of themselves against one of the division’s top sides.

And he said if they continued to play to the same standard, they’d carry on picking up plenty of points.

Worthing v Chelmsford in Mike Gunn’s pictures.

Two more tough tests now await as Worthing visit second-placed Havant on Saturday and host third-placed Ebbsfleet next Tuesday.

Chelmsford scored twice in five minutes midway through the first half – the first had a suspicion of offside, the second was a worldie – before Callum Kealy pulled one back. But as Worthing pushed for an equaliser in the second half, they were undone by a third goal for the visitors.

The result left Worthing sitting in seventh, the final play-off spot.

Hinshelwood said: “It was a very good performance from us. We created chances and had lots of the ball.

"We were unlucky to find ourselves 2-0 down having had six or seven good opportunities ourselves, but responded well and were unlucky not to go in at half-time at 2-2.

"We got caught out with one in the second half but kept pushing and kept working hard, and I know if we carry on playing like that we will win games.

"I think the fans will have gone home knowing we’d played well against a very good side.”

Hinshelwood did admit that conceding seven goals in their past three games – they let in two in each of their victories over Weymouth and Tonbridge – was a concern they’d work on in training.

But he said the team could go into a hectic run of games in good spirits.

After the Havant and Ebbsfleet games, Worthing visit Dover and host Weymouth in another double-game week.

"We have two of the top three next and they’ll obviously be tough games but as I’ve said before, this is why we’ve fought to get the club to this level,” said the boss.

Hinshelwood has almost a full squad to pick from, with the exception of long-term knee casualty Jake Robinson. Defender Aarran Racine will be assessed after a groin niggle.