If the Rebels prevail over the Tudors, who currently occupy third place in the league standings, it would be secure a commendable accomplishment of five wins on the bounce. Coincidentally, the last time the Rebels achieved that feat was in our last meeting with Hemel Hempstead back in March, as Chris Agutter’s side won 3-0 at Woodside Road.
It was the perfect start to November last weekend, as the Reds put three past Hampton & Richmond Borough without reply in West Sussex. Brad Dolaghan broke the deadlock through bizarre circumstances just shy of the half hour mark before Teddy Jenks pounced on a defensive error to double our advantage in the second period. An excellent combination between Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Joel Colbran culminated with the skipper firing in the third to seal the full complement of points as the heavens opened.
The task at hand for the Reds is to keep the momentum alive, but they will need to overcome the defensively-resolute Hemel Hempstead Town in to do so. Victory would take us within three points of tomorrow’s opponents and represent a solid points return in the opening third of the 2025/26 campaign.
Team News
After missing out on last Saturday’s squad, Nathan Odokonyero and Taylor Seymour are available for selection. Odokonyero has recovered from a slight ankle knock he picked up in Friday’s open training session while Seymour has shaken off illness.
Bailey Smith and Sam Beard both face an extended period on the sidelines with the former suffering a significant hamstring injury, while the latter awaits scan results that will reveal the extent of a knee injury he sustained in last weekend’s clash.
The Opposition
Hemel Hempstead have emerged as one of the divisions toughest competitors this season, with their industrious performances earning them third spot in the table.
Confidence will be flowing throughout the Hemel roster following their statement 3-0 triumph over fellow early title-contenders Weston-super-Mare during midweek. In a match that included both teams being reduced to 10 players, the hosts put in a display to be proud of to reduce the gap to only one point between them and second place.
After shipping 75 goals in 46 matches last season, Lee Allinson’s side boast the best defensive record in the division. In 14 National League South outings this season, their goal has only been breached on nine occasions, a run that also includes an impressive eight clean sheets.
Success hasn’t only arrived in the league, as the Tudors were desperately unlucky not to reach the Second Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup last weekend. Despite a Herculean effort against League One side Wigan Athletic, they couldn’t hold their nerve in the penalty shootout away to the Latics after the tie had finished 1-1 after extra time.
Hemel Hempstead have been a permanent fixture in the sixth tier for well over decade, having been members since the 2014/15 campaign.
The Gaffer
Lee Allinson continues to prove his credentials as a manager, with Hemel steadily improving since he was appointed in December 2024.
After failing to win for 15 matches, with 13 losses during that period, the Tudors were saved from the prospect of relegation by Allinson’s managerial expertise.
The former Hendon and Biggleswade Town tactician managed to steer the Hertfordshire-based team comfortably clear of the drop zone as they finished in a modest 12th position.
After competing in the seventh tier for several years, Allinson’s departure from Hendon coincided with their relegation six months later.
One to Watch
Kyle Ajayi has been a force to be reckoned with in the National League South this season, being the figurehead of his side’s solidity this term.
Alongside playing an integral part in Hemel’s formidable defensive record, the imposing central defender has also provided a goal threat for the Tudors.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old scored his side’s second goal in the eventual 3-0 win, while also netting the opener in their 2-1 victory away to Hampton & Richmond Borough last month.
Since joining the club from AFC Dunstable in 2020, the Hemel skipper has made over 150 appearances for Lee Allinson’s outfit.
After struggling with injuries in the early years of his spell at Vauxhall Road, Ajayi has been a consistent figure in the heart of Hemel’s defence for the last three seasons. This term, he has played every single minute.
Form
Worthing FC | W7 D3 L4 GD: +9 | Pos: 8th
League Form: WWWWL
MD10: Maidenhead United 1-0 Worthing
MD11: Chelmsford City 1-2 Worthing | Scorers: Joel Colbran & Harry Ransom
MD12: Chesham United 1-2 Worthing | Scorers: Jack Spong x2
MD13: Worthing 3-1 Dover Athletic | Scorers: Joe Cook, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft & Brad Dolaghan
MD14: Worthing 3-0 Hampton & Richmond | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan, Teddy Jenks & Joel Colbran
Hemel Hempstead Town | W8 D4 L2 | GD: +9 | Pos: 3rd
League Form: WWWLW
MD11: Chippenham Town 0-1 Hemel Hempstead | Scorer: Millar Matthews-Lewis
MD12: AFC Totton 2-1 Hemel Hempstead | Scorer: Millar Matthews-Lewis
MD13: Hampton & Richmond 1-2 Hemel Hempstead | Scorers: Kyle Ajayi and Millar Matthews-Lewis
MD14: Hemel Hempstead 1-0 Bath City | Scorers: Joe White
MD15: Hemel Hempstead 3-0 Weston-super-Mare | Scorers: Samuel Adenola, Kyle Ajayi & Isiah Noel-Williams
Last Meeting
Worthing 3-0 Hemel Hempstead Town, National League South, 15th March 2025
Goals from Danny Cashman, Temi Babalola and Liam Nash resulted in a rampant Reds picking up a fifth straight victory in the National League South back in March.
Cashman, now of Crawley Town, broke the deadlock on the half hour mark with a superb drilled effort that caught out Craig King and nestled into the side-netting.
The lead was doubled just before the interval with Babalola converting on the rebound after Nash’s attempt was saved by the Hemel shot-stopper.
However, Nash wouldn’t be thwarted for the whole afternoon as he added a third by finishing a slick team move, including a pin-point cross from captain Joel Colbran.
Victory at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium extended the Rebels’ lead to four points at the top of the table.
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood
“Both teams will head into the game full of confidence and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our home fans again. We need the fans – we have two massive games this week and we need to make this place the difference and it’s down for us to entertain the fans.”
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for tomorrow’s match, although supporters are advised to purchase their ticket in advance via the Fanbase app.
- Adults: £18
- Concession: £14
- Under-18: £8
- Under-12: £5
- Under-6: Free entry
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
