The Reds earned their place in the semi final following a narrow victory over Braintree Town in the eliminator round in front of 2,678 supporters at the Crucial Environmental Stadium.

Davide Rodari got Worthing off to the best possible start to the match putting them 1-0 up in the second minute, however a strike from Lamar Reynolds levelled proceedings just six minutes later.

The score remained that way until just the hour mark when a Liam Vincent corner was turned into his own net by Braintree ‘keeper Jack Sims.

The Opposition

Oxford avoided the jeopardy of an extra play-off round after finishing the season third in National League South.

City ended the season with defeat at Bath City but secured third place thanks to Chelmsford also slipping up on the final day at home to Taunton.

Form

Despite that defeat they come in to the game on a decent run of form, hammering both Dover and Tonbridge last month, as well as an impressive win over Chelmsford.

Last six matches

29 April – Bath City (A) – Lost 1-2
22 April – Havant & Waterlooville (H) – Drew 1-1
15 April – Dover Athletic (A) – Won 5-1
10 April – Chelmsford City (H) – Won 3-1
7 April – Ebbsfleet United (A) – Lost 0-3
1 April – Tonbridge Angels (H) – Won 4-0

They’ve only lost on three occasions at Marsh Lane all season, with one of those defeats coming way back on the opening day of the season at the hands of Eastbourne Borough.

Runaway champions Ebbsfleet United started the campaign with nine consecutive league victories prior to their visit where they were held to a 1-1 draw.

Recent meetings

The two sides last met in the league fixture at the RAW Charging Stadium back in February, with Oxford comfortably winning by three goals to nil.

In the reverse fixture at Woodside Road, Callum Kealy scored the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute to earn Worthing all three points.

Team News

Boss Adam Hinshelwood was dealt a major blow when on-loan midfielder Jack Paxman suffered a broken metatarsal in the win over Braintree Town bringing his season and loan spell to an abrupt end.

Who replaces Paxman in the starting eleven will likely be Hinshelwood’s biggest decision. James Beresford proved a capable replacement in the second half on Wednesday evening but Mo Dabre is also in contention after a strong end to the regular season.

Danny Barker and Lewis White remain sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Supporter information

Supporters will be segregated inside the ground. The allocation of away tickets are sold out, 550 Rebels will be there to cheer on Hinshewood’s men.

Worthing supporters are warned not to travel without a pre-purchased ticket. Any visiting fans found to be in the areas designated for home supporters risk being ejected from the ground.

The travelling Reds will be situated in the South East corner of the RAW Charging Stadium and will enter via the OCFC car park, turnstiles open from at 1.30pm.

The stadium security team will be conducting bag checks, please arrive early to allow extra time for this process.

Travel

Address: Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX3 0NQ.

By Road: From the South: Leave the M40 at Junction 8 and take the A40 towards Oxford. Follow the A40 for seven miles and then leave and take the slip road signposted Marston and Hospital. At the top of the slip road turn left towards City Centre and Marston. You are now on Marsh Lane, the entrance to the stadium is just down on the left. There are two car parks on site that can be used by all supporters visiting Marsh Lane. The Main Car Park is located outside the Community Arena and the external 3G pitch. To reach this car park, turn left immediately when you turn into the site and follow the road until you reach the car park. If this car park is full, you can park in the car park that is located at the entrance to the site. Once you turn off the main road into the site, you will be able to see this directly in front of you.

Parking: There are three available car parking areas around the stadium on the day. Additional spaces at the stadium are available to pre-book, price at £5 each. There will also be parking available on the day across from Court Place Farm and at New Marston School on Marsh Lane, also priced at £5 per car.

By Rail:  Oxford Railway Station is four miles away from the stadium, so it is really too far to walk. So best to jump in a taxi up to the ground.

How to follow

The game will be available to stream via National League TV.

Alternatively you can follow the action via the club’s official Twitter account, or through live commentary provided by rebelyell.live