The Rebels will be hoping it’s a case of home comforts once again as they look to extend their unbeaten home record to six matches in all competitions.
Stalemates with Bath City, Enfield Town and Maidstone United preceded an accomplished victory over Salisbury under the lights before thrashing Jersey Bulls in the FA Cup second round qualifying replay during midweek.
Temi Babalola took his tally for the season to seven goals in all competitions after netting a ruthless hat-trick, while Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Brad Dolaghan also continued their productive starts to the campaign with another goal each.
There was other positives too, with the defence recording another clean sheet, Jack Spong returning to action after a fortnight out with a slight hamstring issue and new signing Teddy Jenks making his debut for the Club as a second-half substitute.
TEAM NEWS
In his pre-match analysis, Chris Agutter stated his squad had ‘almost a full bill of health’ ahead of the weekend’s tussle with the Angels.
Aarran Racine is the only senior player expected to miss out through injury, as he continues to recover from an ongoing issue that sidelined him for the entirety of pre-season.
THE OPPOSITION
Tonbridge Angels are looking to secure consecutive victories on the road following their first win of the season last time out in the National League South.
The Angels dispatched of Salisbury in an impressive 3-1 triumph to hoist themselves clear of the relegation zone. It was a relieving result for Craig Nelson and his players having endured a tricky start to the campaign, as they failed to win any of their opening seven matches.
However, their defensive record still needs improvement. Only Farnborough and Dagenham & Redbridge have conceded more than their 15 league goals this season.
Tonbridge were also in action during midweek as they contested their FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Replay against Steyning Town. The Kent-based team came out on top as they trounced the minnows 6-1 to book a spot in the next round.
THE GAFFER
Craig Nelson was instated into the hotseat at the Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium back in April 2025 following the departure of Jay Saunders.
The Tonbridge manager has quickly gained a reputation for his attractive brand of football, which he has implemented into his new team in the early stages of his role with the Angels.
Prior to his move to Kent, Nelson spent time as First-Team Manager at Lewes FC. He guided the Rooks to their best start to a campaign for over a decade as they won all five of their opening league matches and went eight games undefeated overall. That impressive start saw Nelson pick up the Manager of the Month award for August 2024.
He initially commenced his managerial career with Glebe FC, a Step 5 team based on the outskirts of London.
ONE TO WATCH
Despite being only 23-years-old, Brandon Pierrick is a player who already has experience in several different footballing environments.
The Rebels will need to keep an eye on the Crystal Palace academy graduate, who has already scored this season, netting in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Farnborough.
As a teenager he made three competitive appearances for Palace, becoming the club’s second youngest Premier League debutant in the process.
A loan spell at Kilmarnock followed before he was released and joined Danish outfit Vejle Boldklub in 2021.
Pierrick then returned to England with Dover Athletic before moving to AFC Croydon. Two successful seasons followed, including scoring 25 times in the Isthmian League South East Division last term. This goal scoring record earned him a transfer back to the sixth tier of English football with Tonbridge this summer.
FORM
Worthing FC | W3 D3 L2 GD: +4 | Pos: 10th
Form: WWDLD
MD4: Worthing 0-0 Enfield Town
MD5: Chippenham Town 1-0 Worthing
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)
Tonbridge Angels | W1 D4 L3 GD: -5 | Pos: 19th
Form: WLDLD
MD4: Tonbridge Angels 0-0 Chesham United
MD5: Dorking Wanderers 4-1 Tonbridge Angels | Scorer: Bobby Unwin
MD6: Tonbridge Angels 3-3 Farnborough | Scorers: Eddie Simon x2 and Brandon Pierrick
MD7: Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Enfield Town | Scorer: Eddie Simon
MD8: Salisbury 1-3 Tonbridge Angels | Scorers: Bobby Unwin, Brody Peart & Oluwabunmi Babajide
LAST MEETING
Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Worthing FC, National League South, 8th February 2025
A late winner from debutant Liam Nash helped the Rebels to a priceless three points on the road back in February.
Just seconds after entering the field as a substitute, Tommy Willard gave the visitors the lead in the 69th minute in stunning fashion. The winger, now of Salisbury FC, found the top corner from 25 yards with an unstoppable hit.
However, the joy emanating from the travelling support was short-lived, as Angels equalised within three minutes through Jack Wood.
But Chris Agutter’s side were determined to grab the victory and with just six minutes of normal time remaining, Nash struck the winner to announce himself to the Worthing fans in an ideal manner.
That win in Kent took the Reds to second in the table and extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches.
VIEW FROM THE CAMP- Chris Agutter
“We’ve watched Tonbridge a lot. They are a possession-based team that play some really good football
“They are really well-coached and well-organised and are very dogmatic. They have full belief in the way that they play, which is a credit to them and their manager.
“They are a very good side and I think they could’ve put more points on the board this season off the back of some very impressive performances so we know it is going to be a really tough game.”
On the recent support, Agi stated: “Our home feels like a proper football stadium with proper support.
“We know we have got a responsibility to give the supporters a brand of football that they can get behind.
“A big thank you from all the players and staff to the supporters who made the trip to Jersey last weekend. Our support home and away was excellent and played a key part in us progressing through that competition.”
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 Twitter account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
