Worthing were targeting their fifth successive win in all competitions as they made the trip to Plainmoor to take on Torquay United who were just two points above the Rebels and sitting in the playoff positions.

Chris Aghutter was forced into making one change to his side that started in the 3-2 win over Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, with Joe Cook out injured. Sam Packham was his replacement in a like-for-like change and Sam Beard was named on the bench.

It was a cagey start in what was the Gulls’ first home game in over a month and a 3,000-strong crowd came to Plainmoor to watch the events unfold. The Rebels were almost gifted an early lead less than five minutes in, when Sam Dreyer’s loose touch at the back allowed Muhammadu Faal to capitalise. He looked to catch keeper James Hamon off guard by taking the shot early, but the keeper was equal to it.

The home side then began to find their rhythm, lifted by their rowdy home support. They had two golden chances in the 18th minute which forced Chris Haigh into two fantastic saves. The first came from a low cross from the byline on the right flank which was played into Brad Ash inside the six-yard box. His first-time shot was kept out well by Haigh who made himself big to make the stop. The Gulls recycled possession and delivered a cross into Matt Carson who saw his header tipped around the post by Worthing’s no.1.

Worthing had the ball in the back of the net on 27 minutes after a superb counter-attacking move that started in their defensive left corner. Danny Cashman played in Faal down the left who went on to tuck it away, but turned around to see the linesman’s flag raised for offside – a tight one indeed.

But, five minutes later, the Rebels had the ball in the back of the net once again and this time, it did make a difference to the scoreline. After another well-worked counter-attacking move, the ball was cut back by Joel Colbran to Jack Spong and it opened up for the midfielder on the edge of the area. After taking a moment to think about it, Spong fired at goal and it rifled straight into the top right corner to give his side the lead going into the break.

Worthing started the second half brightly but were pegged back by half-time substitute Omar Mussa on 51 minutes. The forward found room in between the lines and used it to his full advantage as he placed it nicely into the bottom right corner.

From there, the game burst into life and both sides had chances to take the lead. On the hour mark, Cashman was sent in behind by Faal and he had one defender and the keeper to beat. His first task was successful as he beat his defender with ease, but Hamon closed him down well and gathered it at Cashman’s feet.

Moments later, Spong was capitalised on a mistake at the back to go one-on-one with the keeper but his attempt to double his tally went agonisingly wide of the upright.

Then, it was Torquay’s turn, chances fell for Jay Foulston and Jordan Dyer but neither troubled Haigh in the Worthing goal. The deciding moment came not long after, though, and it was Foulston who made his second chance count. Mussa’s corner from the right was floated into a dangerous area and Foulston was first to it to head home to give his side the lead.

Agutter turned to his bench, bringing on Sam Beard and Tommy Willard for Alfie Young and Nicky Wheeler. And later, Temi Babalola for Packham.

His side rallied late on, but to no avail despite a golden chance for Faal deep into added time. Cashman’s corner was floated into the area filled with 20 of the 22 players including goalkeeper Haigh. Faal who towered over his opponents to win it and it looked destined to hit the back of the net to secure a point, but it bounced just the wrong side of the upright, much to the agony of the Worthing players and supporters.

A valiant effort on the road, but the Rebels head back to Woodside empty-handed. They’ll dust themselves down and go again on Saturday as they entertain Slough Town at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.