Worthing awaits as Dulwich head for the coast...

“I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky; I left my shoes and socks there - I wonder if they’re dry?” Time to blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a bracing trip to the seaside and Woodside Road, home of Worthing FC. The rebels are form is currently one of the great curiosities of the Ryman League, boasting a record on the road more than the equal of better-placed teams in the table whilst struggling to pick up the point in their own backyard. Remarkably, prior to last Saturday’s trip to table topping Maidstone United the Rebels had put together an eight game winning streak on their travels. The sequence looked to be extended further until they were pegged back by goals in the 69th and 86th minutes after leading 2-0 through Jamie Brotherton and Matt Daniel goals in front of a bumper crowd of 1,765.

Yet fast forward to Boxing Day and, with torrential rain sweeping in from the Downs, Worthing’s nightmarish home form came back to haunt them as Sussex rivals Horsham stormed in an early 2 goal lead, hanging on amidst the squalls to end a five match unbeaten run for the Rebels. The result must have been all the more galling for, despite Worthing paucity of points at home, they must have been confident of bagging a much needed home win given that Horsham wins on the road are rarer than snowflakes in the Sahara. Frustratingly that defeat thwarted Worthing’s hopes of leaping in a playoff position, any victory moving them ahead of Crawley Down Gatwick, current incumbents of 5th spot.

Dulwich and Worthing have already crossed swords in the league this season when, back at the start of September, the Rebels made the long journey up to Champion Hill. That afternoon Dulwich bagged an early lead in the 19th minute as Kevin James, returning from injury, slipped a cool finish past Alan Mansfield. Both sides found themselves ruing missed chances with Carl Wilson-Denis twice inches away from connecting with dangerous crosses and a defender’s clearance from a Nyren Clunis shot cracking against Mansfield’s upright. At the other end, Scott Tipper narrowly missed the goal with an angled shot before Dulwich grabbed a vital second through James in the 77th minute. Substitute Frankie Sawyer wrapped things up with two minutes left on the clock when he tucked away a penalty kick after Kershaney Samuels had been upended in the box.

Since that day, Worthing’s squad has undergone major surgery with just four of the eleven starters at Champion Hill on the field on Boxing Day. Long serving ‘keeper Mansfield has upped sticks for Three Bridges whilst cult hero Glen Woodburn departed for Horsham after the playing budget was addressed. Yet, whilst youth is being given its head by the management, experience still remains with the likes of versatile wingman Chris O’Flaherty who always caught the eye even in his days in a struggling Whyteleafe XI and leading the way with eight goals. Past masters such as striker Brotherton, back after injury and the tenacious Luke Gedling will provide a stern challenge. Though big old-fashioned forward Tipper left after a change of playing policy, in young Tom Lawley the Rebels have found an ample replacement, the speedy young winger regularly amongst the goals.

This afternoon’s game takes place at Woodside Road, Worthing kicking off at 3.00 pm. Supporters travelling by train should note that trains to Worthing from London Victoria are disrupted by engineering work and will not be stopping at Clapham Junction.

Admission Prices:

• £9.00 - Adults
• £5.00 - Senior Citizens
• FREE! - Under 16’s (if accompanied by a paying adult - otherwise £4)
• £5.00 - Students with current, valid NUS Photo ID Card
• £2.00 - Official Match day Programme
• £0.50 - Stand transfer per person

EARLY BIRD OFFER: £2 off entry for all categories when arriving before 2 p.m. on Saturday matches.

Any season ticket holders of Premier League or Championship sides can get entry for £5 on production of their season ticket/card.