Adam Hinshelwood hailed the spirit of his young Worthing side after they fought back from 2-0 down to win 5-2 at home to Walton Casuals.
The visitors had two players sent off but that should take nothing away from the Rebels who looked dead and buried after 24 minutes.
George Gaskin halved the deficit and Mark Knee levelled on the stroke of half-time, by which time Daniel O’Reilly and Liam Flanagan had been dismissed.
Omar Bugiel put Worthing ahead with his first goal for the club on 77 minutes, teenage right-back Will Hendon made it 4-2 three minutes later and 16-year-old Ben Pope came off the bench to score on his debut in the closing stages.
Hinshelwood said: “They showed great character to come back.
“I have been totally and utterly impressed by the lads’ efforts and commitment, not just in games but on the training field as well.
“There is a really enthusiasm to improve as a group.”
Hinshelwood was delighted for Pope who signed this week after being released by Albion.
He said: “Ian Hart (director) worked hard to get him there as there were other clubs who were keen but we told him he would have more of a chance to get in the first team sooner.
“He goes to the exit trials on Monday and I hope he gets picked up. If not, he is the type of player we want to be attracting to Worthing.”
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