It was a spot of Monday night football for Worthing, as they were targeting a fourth successive league win while on their travels at Aveley.

The Rebels knew that a victory would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points for at least 24 hours, with the rest of the top seven in action the next evening. The Millers were bottom of the league table ahead of the contest and 11 points adrift from safety.

Chris Agutter named an unchanged eleven from the one that was victorious against Chesham United on Saturday, with just one change to the squad as Tommy Willard returned in place of Arthur Gregory on the bench.

Worthing struck the woodwork less than five minutes into the contest, as Jack Spong’s corner evaded everyone at the near post and cannoned off the post. Odei Martin Sorondo was there to follow up, but he saw his shot blocked.

The Rebels were dominant in possession in the first half, but couldn’t create anything clear cut. Joe Partington went closest with a header that was kept out by the Millers’ keeper James Holden, low to his right as Agutter’s side continued to search for the opener.

But, it was the hosts who got themselves the first goal. Jake Leahy’s ball in behind the Worthing defence on the left channel had encouraged keeper Lucas Covolan to race out of his area to head it clear. His header, though, fell straight to Alfie Lewis who was about ten yards inside the Worthing half as he struck a half volley towards goal, with Covolan not in the picture. It was an agonising wait for the ball to hit the back of the net, with Sam Beard’s scrambling efforts unable to prevent it and the Rebels suddenly had it all to do in the second period.

Agutter made two early changes in the second half before the hour mark, as Mo Faal and Sam Packham both came on inside the first fifteen minutes. Temi Babalola and Joe Partington made way.

Liam Nash had the first real chance of the second half after being set up by Spong, but the forward’s chipped effort was held onto by Holden. A third change was made five minutes later, as Nicky Wheeler made way for Ruben Carvalho.

Then came the moment of inspiration that got the Rebels a crucial goal back to set up the turnaround. It was Danny Cashman who popped up at the edge of the area with a fine effort that dipped just underneath the crossbar and into the back of the net.

That was the catalyst for the comeback, as within five minutes, the Rebels were in front! It was Cashman again with the finish after Spong’s corner was met by the head of Joe Cook, whose header bounced at the back post to Cashman who fired in, hitting the underside of the bar!

The man of the moment, Cashman, was denied a quickfire effort when he got in behind once again, this time lifting his shot over the bar.

Joel Colbran then had a huge chance to kill the game on 87 minutes from inside the six-yard box, but he couldn’t keep his effort down.

It was another nervy last few moments, something that Worthing fans will have come accustomed to by now, but they held on for another crucial three points in their push for promotion. It takes them four points clear at the top, for 24 hours at least!

They return home on Saturday as they face Hemel Hempstead Town.