The Rebels had a disastrous start to the first half, as Alahady Jalloh was sent through on goal within the opening minute. The winger composed himself before firing home a fierce low-driven strike beyond Harrison Male.

Despite the early set-back the away side picked themselves up and went again. Minutes after going behind, loanee Davide Rodari came close to levelling the score line.

Rodari would soon do just that, as he collected a long ball over the top in the 10th minute; before looping an audacious effort over the top of the helpless Billy Collings.

With momentum flowing through the side, Worthing took control of the game. After 39 minutes, Darren Budd would complete The Mackerel Men’s first half turn around. The evening’s skipper found the bottom corner with a dangerous delivery, from a free kick in a wide position.

Unfortunately for the Worthing faithful there was an element of ‘Deja Vu’ at the start of the second half. Substitute Trevor McCreadie made an instant impact off the bench, as he fired the hosts level straight from kick off.

Just two minutes later, Dajon Golding had a huge chance to reclaim Worthing’s lead. Golding nominated himself to take a well-earned penalty by goalscorer Rodari. Unfortunately, Golding’s effort was brilliantly saved by Collings.

Collings’ save yielded further belief to the hosts – who went onto take the lead themselves. McCreadie ferociously found the roof of the net, with a left-footed effort in the 68th minute.

Despite late Worthing pressure. Haywards Heath held on; claiming a hard-fought for place in the next round of The Velocity Trophy.