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.
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