With an emphatic 7-0 away win against newly promoted Worthing Town, Borough’s high press was on display, clearly showing the intricate combination play the side have shown throughout pre season.

The match began with Borough playing a 4-2-3-1 system, and they were dominant from the off. After several close attempts from the forward line, Nicole Baitup opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a pinpoint header from Becky Simmons corner. A second followed in the 28th minute with captain Kelly Simmons cutting the ball back for a smart finish from the ever-lively Abbie Tucker.

Worthing had their moments, with their long ball game being dealt with well by debutant Leonie Swain. Borough then went 3-0 up on the 30th-minute mark, with Nicole Baitup now being the provider, sliding the ball behind the Worthing defence for a smart finish from Becky Simmons. Borough made it 4 just before half-time, with striker Izzy Payne finishing into the roof of the net from a Becky Simmons pass.

Head Coach Chris Day then made 3 changes at halftime, with Phoebe Cram, Izzy Payne and Milly Rose making way for debutant Holly Carter, Megan Griffiths and Lily Smith. With a shift to a 3-4-3 shape, Sian Heather was now controlling the midfield, allowing Borough to keep the match played in Worthing’s half.

Kellie Larkin made it 5-0 in the 50th minute, with one of her trademark long range strikes. Despite numerous more close calls, it took until the 65th minute for Borough to make it 6-0, with Becky Simmons working her own chance from close range. This gave Day an opportunity for a double sub with Izzy Payne returning to the action to replace Becky Simmons, and Lola Dulake coming on for another impressive debutant in Ruby Starkey at LB.

Nicole Baitup then completed the scoring in the 70th minute, to ensure Borough got the season off to a winning start.

Chris Day commented

“We were really happy with the players fitness levels and application today – giving 3 players their senior debuts shows the competition for places we now have within the squad. A huge thanks to Worthing Town for hosting, and creating a positive environment for the game to be played in.

On the pitch Kellie Larkin and Sian Heather really showed the young players the levels and consistency we will need for the team throughout the season. We are really looking forward to the team’s first home league game next Sunday against Eastbourne Town, and hope we can get the Borough faithful along to support the team, and bring the noise!”