Worthing FC are nearing the end of the 2025/26 season with a match against Eastbourne Borough. Fifteen points are left to play for in the National League South.
Following the match with Eastbourne, the Reds will play Dorking Wanderers on Easter Monday before welcoming Dagenham & Redbridge and Ebbsfleet United to West Sussex. Their campaign concludes with a trip to Maidstone United.
Play-Off Place Still Up For Grabs
Adam Hinshelwood’s side sit in second place, six points off league leaders and Monday’s opponents Dorking. Four points separate the teams currently occupying the play-off places. The competitive nature of the division is reflected in the close proximity of the top seven in the table.
Eastbourne’s Fight Against Relegation
Eastbourne’s fate may be sealed. A defeat at Woodside and competitors Farnborough picking up a point or more away to Hampton & Richmond Borough confirming their relegation.
Eastbourne’s campaign has been a complete polar opposite to their performance less than 12 months ago.
Last term, the East Sussex based side only missed out on the league title and automatic promotion by a single point before losing to Maidstone United in the play-off semi-final.
The prospect of demotion into the Isthmian Premier Division is practically a reality – and could be confirmed with a defeat.
Instability in the dugout has undoubtedly been a huge factor in their demise, with four individuals put in charge of the Sports throughout the course of the season. Matt Gray was employed after Adam Murray departed to Kidderminster Harriers in the summer, but after failing to record a single victory in his first 10 league games, he was relieved of his duties.
Tommy Widdrington was reinstated as Borough manager after eight years away, but he couldn’t make an impact and parted ways with the club in February with the team struggling in the relegation zone.
After interim boss Robbie Blake guided the group of players to triumphs over Torquay United and Hampton & Richmond, he was replaced by Steve King. Four games in to his rein and just one point later, the Sports look destined to fall below the sixth tier of English football for the first time since 2004.
Worthing’s Home Advantage
After three successive away trips, collecting seven points, it will be a welcome return to home soil for the Reds. It’s been a happy hunting ground since Hinshelwood’s arrival, with zero league losses at the STCS since September.
The anticipation is palpable ahead of the clash, with so much at stake for both teams at the opposite end of the table.
Injury Updates for Worthing
Matt Burgess has been ruled out of contention after suffering an injury during training on Tuesday night. The injury will be assessed to determine the severity of the problem before a rehabilitation phase can be implemented.
Bailey Smith returned to action after over five months out with a torn hamstring last weekend, while Josh Jeffries and Wiktor Makowski are poised to be at the manager’s disposal.