Chris Agutter and his players are searching for their first triumph of the campaign after we were held to a point on the opening day by Bath City.

Brad Dolaghan opened his account for the season with a smart finish just before the half hour mark, before Joel Colbran was given his marching orders after a late challenge.

It was a Herculean effort from the Rebels to keep the opposition at bay for the majority of the match, despite being numerically disadvantaged. However in the dying embers, Mitch Beardmore managed to head past debutant Seb Stacey to steal a point.

Team News

Club captain Joel Colbran is unavailable for the next three matches following his straight red card in our National League South opener against Bath City.

However, Sam Beard and Aarran Racine are back at Chris Agutter’s disposal after serving the final game of their respective bans last weekend.

The Opposition

It promises to be a fiery atmosphere at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium tomorrow afternoon, as occupants Horsham play at home for the first ever time in the sixth tier of English football.

Their first taste of National League South action ended in heartbreaking fashion, as they conceded in the latter stages of their season opener away to big spenders Chelmsford City.

Dominic Di Paola’s side earned promotion last season by virtue of a dramatic Isthmian League Premier Division title win.

The Hornets finished top of the pile by the finest of margins courtesy of their superior goal difference over second placed Billericay. Horsham’s total came to +42 after netting 82 goals and only conceding 40 in 42 games, while the runners up finished with +41 goal difference after scoring 83 goals and shipping 42 at the other end.

It all boiled down to the final day as Horsham thrashed Hashtag United 5-1 in West Sussex to claim the crown.

The Gaffer

Dominic di Paola is one of the longest serving managers in the division, having held the post of Manager at Horsham for over a decade.

The 45-year-old has plenty of connections with Worthing having played for the Rebels and neighbours Worthing United.

His managerial career has involved multiple promotions and title successes having guided Clymping, Worthing United and East Preston up the divisions.

After a short stint at Hastings United, Di Paola moved to current employers Horsham, where he has masterminded a meteoric ascendance through the pyramid.

He secured the Hornets’ first league title in twenty years by winning the 2015/16 Southern Combination League by 11 points before taking the West Sussex outfit back to the Isthmian Premier Division via the Play-Offs in the 2018/19 season. Domestic success has also come under the tactician’s leadership, as he guided the team to the Sussex Senior Cup,  ending a 48-year wait to lift the coveted prize.

In addition, he led the Hornets to a record-breaking run in the FA Trophy in 2024, an FA Cup first round appearance in 2021 and a record-equalling second round qualification in 2024.

One to Watch

Several former Worthing players are currently representing our West Sussex neighbours including Harvey Sparkes, Reece Meekums and Greg Luer.

Former Eastbourne Borough forward Leone Gravata has joined the newly-promoted outfit on loan during the summer from Adam Hinshelwood’s York City.

The 24-year-old spent the majority of last campaign at National League South side Chippenham Town – also on a temporary spell.

The versatile forward recorded 11 goal contributions in the sixth tier, netting in victories over Aveley, Hemel Hempstead and Welling United.

Gravata made his competitive debut for the Hornets last weekend as a second half substitute in their slender defeat to Chelmsford City.

Last Meeting

Worthing 1-1 (3-5 Pens) Horsham, Sussex Senior Cup Quarter-Final, Tuesday 7th January

Horsham prevailed in the last encounter back in January as Worthing exited the Sussex Senior Cup on penalties.

Captain Joel Colbran broke the deadlock in the 19th minute after his attempted cross deceived goalkeeper Lewis Carey and found the back of the net.

The visitors equalised in the second period through Lucas Rodrigues, who nodded past Chris Haigh from close-range.

With a place in the semi-final up for grabs, Horsham held their nerve to advance into the final four at Worthing’s expense.

View from the Camp

“A usual week in the lead up to this game. Very pleased to be in the thick of the league season,” Agi stated to Worthing FCTV.

“Tomorrow will be a tough game. I think they will be at the top end of the division come the end of the season.

“We know there is going to be a decent crowd and a decent atmosphere and we look forward to everything that challenge brings.”

Tickets

Tickets for tomorrow afternoon’s West Sussex derby are SOLD OUT. Our allocation of 600 away fans has been completely filled. Thank you for your phenomenal support and see you tomorrow in Horsham!

How to Follow

If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official Twitter account. You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.