The Reds go into the fixture having most recently played Hampton & Richmond Borough on New Year’s Day at the Beveree Stadium:

After an even start, Ade Shokunbi span away from Dan Bowry and into the penalty area before unleashing a shot which the defender allegedly blocked with his arm, causing the referee to point to the penalty spot in the 21st minute.

Liam Vincent, who scored a hat-trick against Worthing in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, stepped up only to see his spot kick denied emphatically by Harrison Male to keep the scores level going into half time.

The second half saw the Reds start the much stronger side, and almost went ahead through Ollie Pearce but his shot was well-blocked by a Beavers defender, to ensure the spoils were shared on the opening day of the year.

Meanwhile, visitors Welling United also last played on Sunday, defeating Tonbridge Angels by two goals to one.

Form

Worthing’s draw on the road helped them to sixth in the table, clocking up 40 points from 25 games so far.

Welling’s New Year’s Day victory saw them return to the top half in 12th position on 32 points from 23 games:

Last six matches

Sat 01/01/23 – Tonbridge Angels (H) – Won 2-1
Mon 26/12/22 – Tonbridge Angels (A) – Won 1-0
Tue 20/12/22 – Aldershot Town (FA Trophy third round) (A) – Lost 1-3
Tue 06/12/22 – Farnborough (H) – Lost 1-2
Fri 02/12/22 – Bath City (A) – Drew 1-1
Sat 26/11/22 – Weymouth (H) – Lost 1-2

Recent meetings

The two sides met back in mid-August in the reverse fixture at Welling’s Park View Road ground:

Worthing travelled to southeast London for their first away match in the National South and went ahead through a Callum Kealy goal in the fifth minute, but Tyrique Hyde equalised for the hosts just two minutes later.

Goals from Lewis White and Joe Rye put the Reds 3-1 up on 26 minutes, but four later, Ade Azeez halved Welling’s deficit to make the scoreline 3-2 at the interval.

12 minutes into the second period, Kealy scored his second and Worthing’s fourth to seal their first victory at step-two level.

Team News

Club captain Aaran Racine and Cameron Tutt will miss out on the first home game of the new year with injuries, both players are likely to return within 2-3 weeks.

Josh Chambers has been recalled to be part of Gillingham’s squad for their FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Leicester City this weekend but the Club is hopeful that his loan deal will be extended until the end of the season, along with Mo Dabre who is currently recovering from a knee injury.

James Beresford is back in contention for selection as he makes his return from injury.

Worn both shirts

Current Cheshunt winger Zack Newton was an academy graduate of Worthing having had multiple spells at Woodside Road.

He most notably played a key part in the Reds’ 2015/16 playoff-winning season, which saw them gain promotion to the Isthmian Premier League.

His 21 appearances in his breakthrough season welcomed four goals, including a strike in the 7-0 annihilation of Hythe Town in the playoff semi-final.

He then signed for Welling in May of 2018, and played nine times before being loaned back to Worthing in October of the same year.

Supporter information

Online Tickets

Tickets are still available to purchase in advance online. You can also buy tickets on the day – the turnstiles will be open from 6pm and accept both cash and card payments.

• Matchday Timings
• Admission Prices

How to Follow

If you can’t make the game you can follow the game via the club’s official Twitter account, or through live commentary provided by rebelyell.live