Ruth: Worthing will be our toughest test yet

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Albion under-23 assistant coach Shannon Ruth is expecting a difficult game in tonight's Sussex Senior Cup semi-final.

James Hilsum

2020-03-03T06:00:00Z

Shannon Ruth issues instructions during the win over Bognor Regis in the last round.

The Seagulls take on the Isthmian Premier Division leaders at Culver Road, Lancing, for the right to play Eastbourne Borough in the final, and Ruth is expecting the Rebels to provide formidable opposition tonight.

He said, “From what I know of Worthing, they have some talented players who are coached extremely well.

“They have a blend of youth and a few experienced players who have an understanding of senior football and will be hungry to win the match.

“They will compete well in a lot of aspects in the game. There’s no doubt we are expecting our toughest test of the competition so far, but is a fixture we are looking forward to.”

Adam Hinshelwood

Worthing are managed by former Seagulls defender Adam Hinshelwood, and Ruth spoke about the healthy relationship between the two clubs.

“We know Worthing well. Over the years, it’s a club we have frequently loaned our young players to, and they currently have some of our former academy players in their squad.

“Of course, we cannot forget Adam Hinshelwood’s relationship with our football club. Due to these reasons, it is a team we have watched quite often and they are having a great season.

Lorent Tolaj scored a hat-trick against Bognor.

The coach also explained the benefits of taking part in the competition and how it has enabled players from both the under-18 and under-23 age groups to get some valuable game time against senior opposition.

“This competition has caused us to utilise our whole professional development phase at times," added Ruth.

“With the demand of our fixture list for both these two age groups, many different players have been exposed to the competition this year which for us has been a positive.

“Saying that it has still been challenging, no doubt. It has demanded that our players step up when called upon and showed them there are good players playing at all levels of the football pyramid.

“If we aren’t at our best, we can be beaten. But what’s been pleasing for us is no matter what team we have put out this year the players have embraced the challenge and done well.”

Kick off tonight is 7.15pm. Ticket prices are £10 Adults, £5 OAPs, £3 for under-16s. Match programmes cost £1.50.