In a gripping FA Cup first-round encounter that had all the makings of a classic giant-killing, League Two’s bottom side Morecambe narrowly escaped an upset against National League South hopefuls Worthing. The 2-0 scoreline belied the closely contested nature of the match, as the part-timers from the Sussex coast pushed their professional opponents to the brink in front of a modern-day record crowd of 3,110 at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Worthing, riding high in their league and harboring Football League aspirations of their own, had boldly anticipated victory against a Morecambe side that has endured a torrid season. The Shrimps, up for sale since 2022 and facing a transfer embargo, have won just once in League Two this term and sit five points adrift of safety.
But on the artificial pitch at Worthing, it was the visitors who struck first, silencing the expectant home support. Jordan Slew’s thunderous volley in the seventh minute set the tone for a hard-fought encounter in which Morecambe would ultimately prevail.
Worthing’s FA Cup Dream Shattered
For Worthing, managed by the ambitious Chris Agutter, this FA Cup run represented a chance to rekindle memories of their 1982-83 second-round appearance and further the club’s renaissance under owner George Dowell. Dowell, a former Worthing player left paralyzed by a car crash as a teenager, has transformed the club since taking over in 2015, overseeing two promotions and a surge in attendances.
We felt they were there for the taking and the game showed that. The challenge is we’ve got to make sure that’s a league game next season.
– Chris Agutter, Worthing Manager
Worthing’s attacking prowess, spearheaded by top scorer Danny Cashman, repeatedly troubled Morecambe as the match wore on. But the Mackerels couldn’t find a way past Shrimps goalkeeper Stuart Moore, with Cashman denied by the offside flag after dinking the ball over the keeper just before the half-hour mark.
Morecambe’s Moment of Joy Amid the Gloom
For Morecambe, mired in financial difficulties and facing a relegation battle, this FA Cup victory provided a rare shaft of light in a gloomy season. The 300-mile trip from Lancashire was rewarded by a resilient display and a priceless win, sealed by Rhys Williams’ 88th-minute header.
Morecambe manager Derek Adams praised his side’s character and the unwavering support of the travelling fans. “Morecambe is not an easy club to work for and support because of the circumstances and it hasn’t been for many years,” he acknowledged. “The fans were terrific.”
The £45,000 in prize money and a place in the second-round draw provide some solace for the embattled Shrimps. But with League Two survival the overriding priority, thoughts will quickly return to the fight to preserve their Football League status.
A Glimpse of What Might Have Been for Worthing
For Worthing, there was pride in pushing their loftier opponents so close and a sense of what might have been. Had they held on for a replay or snatched a famous victory, it would have represented another fairytale chapter in the club’s resurgence under Dowell’s stewardship.
I don’t want to be that guy that’s just accepting of losing games. If we can do that to a League Two team, then in the National League South we should win more often than not.
– Chris Agutter, Worthing Manager
While the FA Cup dream is over for another year, Worthing’s focus now returns to their promotion push. For Agutter and his players, the tantalizing prospect of turning this cup tie into a league fixture next season is all the motivation they need.
As for Morecambe, they live to fight another day in both the FA Cup and League Two. On this evidence, they will need to summon the same resilience and character that saw them through this tricky first-round tie if they are to extend their Football League stay beyond this season.
