Leiston fluff their lines and are made to pay as Worthing take the points

Joel Colbran, of Worthing, and Dominic Dochert, right, of Leiston, contest possession. Photo: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Archant)

Worthing put a dent in Leiston’s play-off hopes as they moved away from the relegation zone with this 3-2 win at Victory Road, writes Craig Cooper.

Leiston will feel hard done by as they had more than enough chances to get something out of the game.

Blues manager Glenn Driver brought in Kyle Hammond and Christy Finch into the starting line-up, while Joe Jefford and Joe Marsden had to make do with a place on the bench.

The visitors almost struck the first blow as within a minute, Isaac Newton burst through after a mistake at the back but he put his effort wide of Marcus Garnham’s right-hand post.

GOAL Leiston's Chris Henderson watches Lucas Cavagnari in the Worthing goal fumble his shot into the net. Photo: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Archant)

Leiston took the lead after just six minutes after Worthing keeper Lucas Cavagnari cleared only as far as Finch and he made no mistake by thumping the ball in the back of the net.

It could have been two just minutes later.

Byron Lawrence’s corner was met by the head of Dominic Docherty, but Cavagnari made an excellent save to his right.

Worthing levelled after a good move enabled Harvey Sparks space on the left-hand side and he made no mistake, tucking under the legs of Garnham to restore parity.

GOAL Worthing's Joe Clarke heads the winning goal past Marcus Garnham in the Leiston goal. Photo: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Archant)

Worthing took the lead three minutes later as Curtis Haynes-Brown’s mis-placed pass let in Newton who gave Garnham no chance once more.

Cavagnari saved well from Chris Henderson, and was equal to a long distance strike from Byron Lawrence, while Matt Blake hit the side netting at an acute angle.

Leiston equalised when Henderson slotted home at Cavagnari’s near post.

At the start of the second period, Leiston put Worthing under some pressure. However, Worthing took the lead for a second time when Joe Clark headed home from a free-kick.

Leiston's Jack Ainsley is sandwiched between the Worthing keeper and a defender. Photo: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Archant)

Alfie Young then somehow sliced wide when it looked like he couldn’t fail to score in the six-yard box.

Henderson had a run and shot but it was easy for Cavagnari, and Jack Ainsley nearly got on the end of a Finch delivery from the left hand flank.

Henderson played a one-two with Blake but sidefooted just wide of the post, before Cavagnari made a fantastic double save to deny Jefford late on, and Rob Eagle’s shot went agonisingly wide as Leiston will wonder how they didn’t get something out of this game.

Line-ups:-

Leiston:- Garnham, Hammond, Dunbar, Ainsley (Jefford 81 mins), Haynes-Brown, Bullard, Lawrence (Brothers 70 mins), Henderson, Blake, Finch, Docherty (Eagle 65 mins). Subs not used:- Trotter, Marsden.

Worthing:- Cavagnari, Colbran, Rents, Budd, Clark, Young, Parsons, Meekums (Pamment 66 mins), Newton (Barker 85 mins), Starkey (Rance 82 mins), Sparks. Subs not used:- Sisimayi, Pope.

Attendance:- 258.