The Rebels are searching for their first league victory since the start of September this weekend after suffering narrow defeats to Tonbridge Angels and Maidenhead United.
On Monday night, we were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup at the Fourth Round Qualifying stage to National League title contenders Forest Green Rovers. Teddy Jenks opened his account for the Club with a smart finish from the edge of the box, but the Reds eventually succumbed to the prowess of the former EFL outfit.
A familiar face is expected to make his return in between the sticks in Essex this weekend, as Josh Jeffries’ loan move from Southampton was announced earlier on today. The 20-year-old has come in to boost the ranks after Seb Stacey fractured his thumb on Monday and faces a spell on the sidelines.
Our recent record against Chelmsford bodes favourably for tomorrow, having avoided defeat in our last three meetings. The last visit to the Dunmow Group Community Stadium ended in dramatic fashion, as Nicky Wheeler stole the full complement of points with a stoppage-time winner back in March.
The Opposition
Chelmsford City are currently lurking on the peripheries of the play-off places after an inconsistent start to the campaign.
The Clarets are sitting in 10th position, one point off the coveted top seven after picking up 15 points from 10 matches.
They are classed as one of the favourites for promotion this season, having invested heavily into their playing squad over the summer.
Angelo Harrop’s side progressed into the First Round Proper of the FA Cup last Saturday courtesy of a thrilling 4-3 victory over fellow National League South outfit Chippenham Town.
They have been drawn against local rivals Braintree Town in the next round, with the First Round draw being held live from our 1886 Lounge, in partnership with Jones & Tomlin.
Chelmsford have a slight advantage over Adam Hinshelwood’s side tomorrow afternoon, having had the luxury of two extra days of preparation.
The Gaffer
Angelo Harrop was appointed manager of Chelmsford City in March 2025, but didn’t officially start his role until the summer.
The 37-year-old controversially made the switch across Essex after previously being employed by fierce rivals Braintree Town.
Harrop has fond memories against Worthing, having led Braintree into the National League by beating the Rebels in the play-off final at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium back in May 2024.
The Welshman has also had spells as manager with AFC Sudbury, Brightlingsea Regent and Stanway Rovers after spending eight years at Norwich City as a scout.
One to Watch
Lyle Taylor was one of the most high-profile transfers in Non-League of the summer, having dropped down from the EFL to join Chelmsford City.
The experienced striker is the definition of a journeyman. Taylor has played for a staggering 18 clubs, with strong ties in Sussex. In the formative years of his career, the 35-year-old spent time with Lewes and Eastbourne Borough and was also part of Millwall’s academy as a teenager.
Chelmsford’s number has struggled for fitness this season and has only managed four league appearances this season, although he has still found the net on two occasions.
Across a 17-year career, Taylor has scored 175 times, with over a century of goals in the EFL. In the prime of his career, he enjoyed fruitful spells with AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic.
Form
Chelmsford City | W4 D3 L3 GD: -1 | Pos: 10th
League Form: DWLLW
MD6: Chelmsford City 2-1 Chesham United | Scorers: Louie McDonagh-Kudiabor and David Longe-King
MD7: Chelsmford City 2-5 Farnborough | Scorers: Josh Castiglione and Aaron Taylor
MD8: Maidenhead United 2-1 Chelmsford City | Scorers: Jack Barham
MD9: Bath City 0-1 Chelmsford City | Scorers: Lyle Taylor (Pen)
MD10: Chelsmford City: 1-1 Dorking Wanderers | Scorers: Shiloh Remy
Worthing FC | W3 D3 L4 GD: +2 | Pos: 16th
League Form: LLWWD
MD6: Worthing 3-3 Maidstone United | Scorers: Harry Ransom, Nicky Wheeler and Temi Babalola
MD7: Worthing 2-0 Salisbury | Scorers: Joe Cook & Joel Colbran
MD8: Dagenham & Redbridge 2-5 Worthing: Scorers: Temi Babalola, Joel Colbran, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, Brad Dolaghan & Trent Rendall (O.G)
MD9: Worthing 0-1 Tonbridge Angels
MD10: Maidenhead United 1-0 Worthing FC
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood
“It’s a real tough place to go and a real tough test. The lads have responded well to training this week and are looking forward to get going and getting some games under our belt.”
Tickets
Tickets for this Saturday’s game against the Clarets are available to buy through their website.
Supporters can save some money by securing their ticket in advance of Saturday’s game. If you choose to book in advance online, a 4% booking fee is applied at the point of sale. Please ensure you purchase a ticket designated for a Worthing FC supporter.
Tickets Advance Gate
Adult: £14.00 (+ £0.58) £17.00
Concessions: £9.00 (+ £0.36) £12.00
Student*: £4.00 (+£0.16) £6.50
Youth: £4.00 (+£0.16) £6.50
Under 12s**: FREE FREE
*With valid ID
**Free with accompanying over 18. Please note a ticket must still be requested when booking.
Chelmsford class a 17-24 year-old with Valid Student ID and Ticket presented at turnstiles as a Student while characterise a Concessions Ticket as someone who is 65+, a Blue Badge Holder, a Blue Light Holder (Emergency Services), or Military (Armed Services).
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.
