Darren Freeman gave an old mate the slip last night to get Albion's pre-season programme off to a flying start.

Last season's leading marksman allowed the ball to run as marker Spencer Mintram dived in, then thrashed an irresistible right-footed 20-yarder past the dive of Worthing goal-keeper Lee Preston.

It proved to be the undisputed highlight of the evening as Albion eased to a 1-0 win against their Ryman League neighbours at a packed Woodside Road.

Freeman, who played the first 64 minutes before making way for new signing Lee Steele, said: "It's only a goal and I'm definitely not getting carried away about it.

"But it was good to come back to Worthing and play, and scoring a goal was a bonus.

"I've known Spenny for quite a while. I was at Worthing and quite a few clubs he has been at and it was a good battle tonight.

"Peter Shreeve came to our training ground last year and talked about no-touch football and it came off.

"You teach yourself these things and I was delighted to put one in the net."

Albion used 20 players during the course of a low-key encounter, including trial duo Matt Russell and Steve Melton.

Russell, the leading marksman in Sussex non-league football last season, showed up well but miscued a glorious chance to get on the scoresheet just before half-time.

Both he and Melton, a midfield playmaker from Nottingham Forest who looks to have an educated right foot, will be among the touring party which heads to Ireland today for three matches.

Paul Watson had a second-half drive headed off the line by Stuart Tuck and Steele flashed a volley inches wide after being released by Charlie Oatway's astute pass.

There was also a lively second-half contribution from left wingback Nathan Jones, who showed plenty of enterprise going forward and linked up promisingly with winger Paul Brooker.

Boss Micky Adams admitted his side looked a little leg weary after their punishing training schedule of the last nine days but added: "It was a useful exercise.

"Everybody managed to get 45 minutes under their belts which was important and there are things there to work on.

"Worthing gave us a useful game, as they do every year. They are a big strong side and they will do well in their league."

They might even have gone ahead last night had Lee Weston not scuffed a chip straight to goalkeeper Michels Kuipers when clean through on six minutes.

Marc Rice also volleyed just off target but at least his club cashed in, with a crowd of 3,200 offering a handsome windfall.