Boxing Day has become synonymous with football in the UK and we’re looking forward to another festive feast as Worthing play host to Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough this afternoon.

The Rebels weren’t feeling so festive last time out, as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Vauxhall Road against Hemel Hempstead Town.

The Tudors scored a goal in either half to end a run of five consecutive defeats by picking up all three points against the Rebels.

Adam Hinshelwood admitted that his side lacked intensity and expressed his frustration that the side failed to kick on from their emphatic 5-1 win against high-flying Maidstone United.

Looking ahead to the Boxing Day fixture against the Sports, Hinshelwood said: “With it being a local derby and a big crowd, we’re looking to put it right”.

The Opposition

Eastbourne Borough were beaten by league leaders Yeovil Town last time out, with the Sports currently in the final relegation spot in 21st with just 23 points from 24 games this term.

The Sports have won just two of their last twelve league fixtures, with the most recent of those coming 10 days ago with a 2-0 win over Welling United.

Form

23/12 – Yeovil Town (H) – Lost 0-1
16/12 – Welling United (A) – Won 0-2
28/11 – Torquay United (H) – Lost 1-4
25/11 – Hemel Hempstead Town (A) – Lost 1-0
21/11 – Dover Athletic (A) – Drew 1-1
18/11 – Hendon (A) – Lost 2-0 (FA Trophy)

Worn Both Shirts

Ex-Rebels striker Callum Kealy will line up for the Sports this afternoon after making the switch from Havant & Waterlooville earlier this season.

Born in Australia, Kealy was with Brighton & Hove Albion as a youngster but first joined the Rebels in July 2018 after spells with Met Police and Lewes before eventually departing for Sutton in 2020.  He re-joined the Reds in December 2021, initially on loan from Dorking Wanderers before making the move permanent last summer.

Kealy played over 130 times for the Rebels in all competitions, scoring 44 goals.

Jack Paxman is another former Rebel who will make his return to Woodside in Eastbourne colours this afternoon.

The 29-year-old played just eight times for the Rebels but made a huge impact with his composure on the ball and creativity from deep.

His introduction to the team coincided with winning 6 of the last 7 matches to finish fourth in the National League South.

Previous Meetings

The sides were paired together in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying earlier this season with the Rebels winning the encounter by a narrow 1-0 margin thanks to Jake Robinson’s goal. Roco Rees pulled off heroics in the Worthing goal to keep a clean sheet, pulling off a stunning triple save.

In total, the sides have faced each other 10 times in competitive matches, with the Rebels winning three, losing six and drawing one.

Team News

Kane Wills missed Worthing’s trip to Hemel Hempstead last time out and remains a doubt heading into the Boxing Day fixture with a tight calf.

Supporter Information

Happy hour at the Stand Bar will run between 12pm – 1.30pm and 5pm – 6pm once again this weekend.

Between the times noted above, all drinks on draught will be available for just £4 per pint. Enjoy the early EFL Championship kick off between Preston North End and Leeds United at 12.30pm on the TV screens at the stand bar, with Birmingham City facing Stoke City at 5.15pm.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Admission Prices

Adults – £16
Concessions – £12
Ages 12-16 – £6
Ages 6-12 – £3
Under 6 – Free

Tickets can be purchased online here – https://tktp.as/EHLNUC

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets on the day at the gate via cash or card.

Group Prices

1 Adults + 1 Child (6-12) – £17
1 Adults + 2 Child (6-12) – £18
2 Adults + 2 Child (under 16) – £36

As noted above, we strongly advise supporters to purchase tickets online, in advance.