WORTHING UNITED (Robert Albion Memorial Ground)

FA VASE 1st QUALIFYING ROUND, WORTHING UNITED 2-1 EAST PRESTON, ATTENDANCE: 1,008

At the Shoreham Air Show, on Saturday 22nd August 2015, eleven people tragically died when a Hunter Hawk jet failed to pull out of a loop-the-loop manoeuvre, crashing into the main A27 trunk road and erupting into a fireball on impact.

The names of both players
on the teamsheet. The club
have retired shirts 1 & 11 for
the rest of the season.

Two of the victims of the disaster were Worthing United players. Goalkeeper Matt Grimstone and midfielder Jacob Schilt, both aged 23, were travelling to Worthing's game against Loxwood at Lyons Way when the crash happened.

Today's FA Vase match against East Preston was The Mavericks first game since the crash and was dedicated by the club as a memorial to both players. The match attracted the biggest crowd in the club's 63 year history as over 1,000 people came to United's ground, on the edge of the Sussex Downs, to pay their respects.

A 32 page tribute programme was on sale along with special scarves (pictured above) that had Matt & Jacob written on them, with all proceeds going to the Worthing United fund for the families. Ahead of the kick-off there was a minutes applause in celebration of Matt and Jacob's lives, as well as to honour all the victims of the crash.

The first half was a rather subdued affair, as clearly the occasion affected the players, plus Worthing United had not played for three weeks so were a little rusty. The second half was much better with The Mavericks taking the lead on the hour thanks to lovely side footed effort from captain Jack Hayward.

When Bruno Costa netted an equaliser for East Preston after 90 minutes, it seemed an extra 30 minutes would be played, but deep into stoppage time Sam Blundell scored the winner when he prodded home after EP goalkeeper Darren Ford had spilled the ball to his feet.

It was the result all connected with Worthing United wanted as the club did their players proud both on and off the field. Rest in peace Matt and Jacob.

If you would like to donate to the memorial fund then click here