The Rebels’ first away trip of the season was a short one, as we visited Dom di Paola’s newly-promoted Horsham FC.

Atmosphere prior to kick-off was palpable, with 600 Worthing fans in attendance to witness the hosts’ first ever home game in the sixth tier of English football. Horsham boasted a few familiar faces, with the likes of Harvey Sparks, Reece Myles-Meekums and Greg Luer all being named in the opposition’s starting line-up.

Buoyed on by the home faithful, the Hornets struck first after cagey opening quarter of an hour. Former Worthing defender Harvey Sparkes whipped in a dangerous corner from the right-hand side which flew over the grasp of Seb Stacey. Havoc in the six-yard box ensued, which resulted in Sam Beard turning the ball into his own net.

Shortly after, Dominic di Paola’s side doubled their advantage, with another former Worthing player influential in the move. Greg Luer was released down the left-hand side and burst into the box before showing great composure to evade the attention of Harry Ransom. The 32-year-old kept a cool head to curl a finish into the bottom corner. Horsham were elated, Worthing looked bereft.

As the half progressed, tensions boiled over on a couple of occasions. Both dugouts were backing their side of the argument after a strong, but fair, challenge from Glen Rea. After all, it was a West Sussex derby.

The visitors responded in minute 43 to halve the hosts’ lead. A searchinG pass from Jack Spong eventually bounced to Temi Babalola who managed to poke a finish through Horsham goalkeeper Lewis Carey.

Remarkably, there was still time for the Rebels to level proceedings before the interval as captain Sam Beard bravely nodded in his side’s second in the sixth minute of additional time.

After netting the first, Babalola fashioned a clever cross towards the skipper, who stooped low to breach Carey’s net from close-range.

The momentum was firmly in Worthing’s favour and continued into the second half. Within minutes of the restart, both strikers hit the woodwork in quick succession. Babalola was desperately unlucky not to double his tally for the afternoon as his glancing header clipped the upright before play was recycled and made its way to Brad Dolaghan who volleyed against the crossbar. A reprieve for Horsham, but only a brief one.

Razzaq Coleman De-Graft was introduced at the break by manager Chris Agutter and made a noticeable difference. The former Hornchurch winger was instrumental in the creation for the third goal, with his pass feeding Babalola, who was eventually hauled down inside the area. Following a moment of consideration, referee Chay Hathway pointed to the spot.

Jack Spong stepped up to take the spot-kick and cooly dispatched from 12 yards to complete the comeback with 20 minutes to play. A emphatic response from Chris Agutter’s side.

Confidence was flowing after taking the lead for the first time at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium and gaps  started to appear as Horsham committed players forward.

The versatile Sam Packham, who was deployed in a variety of positions, capped off a fine display with a stunning hit for our fourth.

Our number 16 was afforded too much time on the edge of the box and he capitalised on the space by effortlessly curling the ball into the top corner.

Despite falling further behind, Horsham continued to commit bodies forward in attempt to mount a comeback of their own.

After substitute Matt Burgess was denied by a smart stop by Carey, the opposition went down the other end and grabbed their third of the contest in second-half stoppage-time. Two changes from Di Paola combined as Jack Brivio picked out James Roberts who fired past Stacey. There was a big suspicion of offside, as Roberts was left in acres of space , butt the linesman’s flag stayed by his side. Horsham had a lifeline.

Under pressure, the players in Red managed the closing stages with maturity and ease to pick up their first victory of the season. Referee Chay Hathway blew his whistle for the final time to signal the end of an undeniable thriller in West Sussex.

A fantastic response from the Rebels after falling behind early on to take home the full complement of points on the short journey home. Worthing are back on the road on Wednesday night, as a trip to Farnborough awaits us.