A smart finish from Bobby Unwin in the 11th minute was the difference in West Sussex in a frustrating contest for the Rebels.

Tonbridge dominated the opening exchanges as Craig Nelson’s side capitalised on several misplaced passes from  the lethargic Reds.

In the 10th minute, Seb Stacey’s inaccurate clearance fell to the feet of Unwin 25 yards out . With the goal gaping, the winger couldn’t punish the error as he sent the ball comfortably wide of the target.  A reprieve for Worthing, but only a brief one.

Seconds later, the Angels surged forward once again and struck the winning goal. Possession was worked out to the right-flank to Unwin, who cut inside onto his stronger left foot and reversed a finish through Sam Beard’s legs and into the bottom corner.

Chris Agutter’s side failed to muster a response and were slightly fortunate not to find themselves with a bigger mountain to climb going into the break.

Eddie Simon curled wide, while Brody Peart’s free-kick was smothered by Stacey. Full debutant Teddy Jenks recorded Worthing’s only shot on target in the first period , with his deflected effort falling kindly into the hands of Tonbridge stopper Jacob Adams.

A rejuvenated Worthing flew out of the traps in the second period, with the introduction of Odei providing some much needed energy.

Despite unleashing several attempts, they couldn’t make their dominance count. Blue shirts were valiantly blocking every cross, pass and shot. Craig Nelson’s side were desperate to preserve their clean sheet and were defending like their lives depended on it.

Nicky Wheeler narrowly swept a shot off target, while Jenks saw another deflected shot fly into the palms of Adams.

With several bodies committed in attack, there was plenty of space on the counter-attack for the opposition to exploit. Simon poked a gilt-edged opportunity wide after a miscommunication between Harry Ransom and Stacey, much to the relief of the home faithful.

A lull in proceedings followed, as the visitors made several alterations and required breaks in play for their players to receive some medical assistance.

The Rebels regained control and Jenks picked up a pocket of space on the edge of the box once again, only to drag the ball wide of the mark with 10 minutes remaining. Joe Cook was pushing forward to create another option, but he also failed to hit the target from close-range.

Undoubtedly the biggest chance to restore parity arrived in the 85th minute. Substitute Nathan Odokonyero fashioned the opening with industrious work down the right side and after bouncing off several players inside the box the ball dropped to Temi Babalola. After his hat-trick during midweek, the striker didn’t quite find his groove in this particularly wind-swept afternoon, as he couldn’t keep his effort down from six yards out.

Tonbridge managed the latter stages of the contest smartly and adopted clever tactics to wind the clock down. Frustration was evident amongst several Worthing players, as needless free-kicks were conceded.

A first home defeat of the season for the Rebels, who will now be looking to make amends next weekend, as they visit Wimborne Town in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.