Tonight rounds off a busy period for Worthing, with this evening’s fixture being their fourth in 11 days having most recently cruised to victory against Kingstonian 4-0 curtesy of goals from Joel Colbran, Jasper Pattenden and a brace from Ollie Pearce.

Speaking to Mick Sullivan after the victory over the K’s, manager Adam Hinshelwood feels the convincing win has given the squad an added boost going into the clash:

“It’s a local derby, it’s game the boys are really looking forward to and we’ll be going there with a lot of confidence on the back of today.”

The four-goal thumping of Kingstonian helped Worthing amend a FA Cup first qualifying round exit to East Grinstead on penalties seven days ago, with Hinsh calling for his side to maintain the same level of performance as of Saturday:

“We’re a young group but now we’ve got experience at this level we have to find a bit of consistency replicate the same performance on Tuesday night.”

Meanwhile, hosts Lewes have had a miserable start to their league season, losing their opening two fixtures to Enfield Town and Brightlingsea Regent respectively, and getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Bedfont Sports in between.

Last season’s meeting between the two sides saw Worthing run out 3-1 winners on both occasions:

A brace from Alex Parsons and a header from Darren Budd helped the Reds to a comfortable victory against a 10-man Rooks side.

Six months later in February, a strike from current Mackerel Man Dajon Golding wasn’t enough for Lewes to avenge that loss, as Connor Hunte, Ricky Aguiar and Pattenden were on target to see Worthing to the same scoreline.

As mentioned, this evening’s match is sold-out amid COVID-19 spectator restrictions, with Lewes FC issuing the following safety procedure:

Our capacity for the match will be 450 – and there will be no allocated seating / standing. 

Please read all of the guideline information below before buying your ticket. 

Please bring your ticket with you on the day – either as print out or on your phone.

We appreciate that many fans will not be able to watch us play on this occasion, but assuming our trial runs are successful, numbers will increase going forwards.

For this season – for so long as we are practising social distancing, the ground is divided into three sections, two of which are for spectators.

Please note: fans won’t be able to move from section to section.

i. The Red Zone for players and officials and staff members only who are adhering to strict COVID protocols.  
ii. The Amber Zone “Fries Side” which includes the Mountfield Road bank and the Philcox Stand – and importantly, the loaded fries hut.
iii. The Amber Zone “Pies Side” – which includes the seated stand and the Ham Lane stand – and importantly, access to the pies via the Hatch.
iv. Seating in the main stand will be available on a first come, first serve basis – there is no seating advance allocation.
v. Seating will incorporate social distancing – fans who wish to sit in family/friend ‘bubbles’ may do so; ‘bubbles’ must maintain distancing, as marked on seats; fans are asked to use gangways responsibly to maintain social distancing.
vi. Matchday stewards and volunteers will be on hand for seating arrangement advice – fans are kindly asked to follow their guidance
viii. The Rook Inn will be divided into two sections – accommodating Pies and Fries sides of the ground, with no access between the two areas.

Tickets are available as seated or standing – as follows:

i. Seating (under cover) is only available in the “Pies side” of the ground.
ii. Standing is available in either the “Pies Side” (not covered), or the “Fries Side” (some covered).

Please bring an umbrella or a rain jacket in case of bad weather if you are in a standing area – we cannot guarantee sufficient covered space and stewards will be enforcing social distancing (2m) measures.

Lots of things will be different for a while under COVID-19 protocols, as mandated by the Government and the FA. These include

• Bring a face mask, as you may be requested or choose to wear one if seated in main stand or using the Rook Inn bar
• Tickets will only be sold in advance, online. No tickets can be bought on the gate.
• You may only buy multiple tickets in the seated area for people who, under current Government rules, are in your household or ‘bubble’
• By attending you are confirming that you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and that you have not been in contact with somebody who has tested positive or has symptoms within the previous 7 days.
• On entry, stewards will direct you to your standing/seating area
• Please maintain social distancing with everyone outside of the group you are attending with and ensure that when standing, you remain socially distanced from anyone not in your bubble.

Other elements will be the same…

• Delicious hot food for the whole family inc vegan options
• Rook Inn bar inc soft drinks, ales and a selection of fine crisps and nuts
• (We also have additional toilets at the ground to cater for the new zones and layouts)

As usual, tickets are available to purchase at concessionary rate and children under 16 still go free but MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Quotas have been allocated to each ticket category and, when these quotas are full, you will need to buy a full-price ticket. 

Adults £12
Concessions/students £8 (Proof of status may be requested)
Under16s FREE

The area you choose for your tickets will also mean you have access to either (meat & vegan) “PIES” or (loaded i.e. different toppings inc vegan) “FRIES”. Choose wisely…

Please bear in mind that it may take longer than usual to gain entry, so avoid coming at the last minute.
We’re right next to Lewes train station but there is either (limited) parking outside the ground or £2 parking just a couple of minutes’ walk away.
At 30 minutes after kick-off, the gates will be shut and no further entry permitted.
Re-entry into the ground is not permitted.

FILMING: Please note that you may be filmed or photographed and pictures of you may be transmitted on television, online platforms and as mobile content at any time in the future. By entering the venue, you hereby consent to all such filming and to unrestricted transmissions of any resulting programme.  If you do not wish to be filmed, please make it known to the crew.