Match Preview: Paddy Gladman

The two sides last met back in August 2020, when The Reds wound up as 4-1 winners. The match was held in front of a limited crowd thanks to the Coronavirus restrictions that loomed over the nation, but this time hundreds of fans will be making some noise in the stands.

Fast starts are something that Worthing fans are well accustomed to these days. That was on display in our demolition job of Three Bridges last month – when the opposition conceded five inside the opening half an hour – in a routine 6-1 pre-season victory for The Mackerel Men.

It was similar last time out against Lancing, as Worthing took the lead within a minute, at a windy Culver Road – the match would end in a comfortable 4-1 victory as Worthing highlighted the difference in class.

When visiting Culver Road, Worthing fans will always look back at what could’ve been. In our penultimate visit to the home of The Sussex FA, The Rebels faced Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion’s Under 23’s, in the semi-final of the Sussex Senior Cup. The match ended in a cruel 3-2 defeat, however neither side really got the last laugh as the competition was cancelled, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Reece Myles-Meekums was on target that day, scoring against his former side as he reminded them of the quality he possesses. The other Worthing goal scorer was defender Aarran Racine who scored a thumping header.

Should Worthing repeat what happened last time out against The Lancers, it will put them in good stead heading into the final game of pre-season.

Championship side Queens Park Rangers will be sending a squad down to the Crucial Environmental Stadium on Tuesday night, before the season kicks off with a trip to Folkestone Invicta next Saturday.