The tie comes four days after Worthing suffered their fourth league defeat of the season on Tuesday evening, losing 4-2 away to Margate at Hartsdown Park:

Worthing found themselves 2-0 at the interval, before a third goal for the hosts put them in full control.

Ollie Pearce offered a lifeline when he pulled one back in the 63rd minute, but a fourth Margate goal put the game beyond Worthing’s reach despite another consolation from Pearce in injury time.

Last month, Worthing brushed aside Seaford Town by six goals to two in the second round, while opponents Lewes defeated Littlehampton Town 4-1 to set the tie up at the Crucial Environmental stadium.

Recent meetings

The sides have already met this season – battling out a nine-goal thriller at Woodside Road in front of a crowd of 1,600 in October:

Lewes went 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes, before a brace from Ollie Pearce then a strike from Dajon Golding saw  the Reds go into the break ahead 3-2.

Japser Pattenden netted a minute after the restart as did Golding to get his second of the afternoon, but two goals for the Rooks set up a nervy final 15 minutes, but Worthing held on to their lead to get all three points.

Supporter information

Food collection to be held at Lewes clash

The club will be hosting a food collection alongside Worthing Food Foundation during Saturday’s home match with Lewes to help the families in our community that are struggling over the Christmas period.