OPPOSITION FOCUS | Worthing (A)
- Ollie Heathcote
- 53 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Key Info
Founded: 1886
Nickname: The Rebels
Manager: Adam Hinshelwood
Stadium: Sussex Transport Community Stadium
Capacity: 3250
The History
Founded in 1886, Worthing FC are a team who were quick to make their mark in the two seasons they have competed in the National League South. Having started their journey in local Sussex leagues, Worthing transitioned to the Isthmian Divisions experiencing both relegations and promotions within their existence. Known as ‘The Rebels’, Worthing have spent 123 years at Woodside Road, which was recently rebranded as the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. Recently, former player George Dowell took over the club in 2015, installing an artificial pitch as well as overseeing promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division in the 2021/22 campaign. Seasons at Step 2 saw Worthing build a platform for both striker Ollie Pearce, who scored 40 goals in the 2023/24 campaign, earning him a move to York City with Adam Hinshelwood. Having recently announced the return of the manager, Hinshelwood will be looking to lead the Rebels to the heights of the playoffs, as he will eye a promotion
The Manager: Adam Hinshelwood
Having recently announced the departure of highly-rated coach Chris Agutter to Sutton United, Worthing had to appoint a manager who could bring them back to the heights of pushing for promotion. The return of Adam Hinshelwood after an 18-month stint as manager of York City has been seen as a coup, leading the Minstermen to a second place finish in last season’s National League. Having previously taken Worthing to the playoff final in the 2023/24 season, his impact has been immense as the Rebels remain unbeaten in the league in his four games of management.
The Skipper: Joel Colbran
Joel Colbran is a player who needs no introduction to fans of Worthing FC. Operating as a right back, Colbran is playing in his second spell at the Rebels, after joining from Loxwood ahead of the 2016/17 season. Having announced his contract extension until 2027, Colbran has started the season in fine form, having already scored 4 goals and picked up 1 assist in his 10 league appearances - a goal contribution every 2 games. He will be a player to watch as Worthing favours an attacking style of play.
LAST FIVE:
Having spent the last 5 fixtures as new manager of Worthing, Adam Hinshelwood has instilled a consistent run of results. Whilst the Rebels were knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Forest Green Rovers, Worthing’s league form has been perfect, with big victories over fellow playoff-chasers Chelmsford City. Victories over Chesham, Dover and Hampton & Richmond has pushed Worthing just outside the playoffs, with improvements clear to see
🟢 Won 3-0 vs Hampton & Richmond 1/11/25
🟢 Won 3-1 vs Dover Athletic 25/10/25
🟢 Won 1-2 vs Chesham United 21/10/25
🟢 Won 1-2 vs Chelmsford City 18/10/25
🔴 Lost 1-4 vs Forest Green Rovers 13/10/25
ONES TO WATCH:
Name: Harry Ransom
Joined: July 2025
Position: Centre Back
Joining ahead of this season from National League Sutton United, Harry Ransom has started the season as a key part of Worthing’s backline. Ransom is a familiar face to the non-league scene, representing Eastbourne Borough, Dover Athletic and Sutton United whilst also playing in the Football League at Crawley Town. He has two goals to his name this season, whilst also recording one of the most minutes played which shows his importance to the team.
Name: Jack Spong
Joined: February 2024
Position: Central Midfielder
Having played for the Rebels for a year and a half, Jack Spong is a well-known name amongst the Worthing faithful for his creativity from central midfield. Having progressed through the youth setup at Brighton & Hove Albion, Spong has been able to show his ability to contribute to the team’s possession-based style of play. He already has 5 goal contributions in 13 league appearances which he will look to improve in Saturday’s competitive game.
Name: Brad Dolaghan
Joined: July 2025
Position: Striker
The departure of Danny Cashman to the National League left huge shoes to fill in terms of goalscoring for the Rebels. Having broken through at the youth setup at Worthing, Dolaghan moved to West Ham’s setup, where he looked to further his development as a footballer. Following a loan spell last season at Aldershot, Dolaghan returned to the Rebels ahead of this season where he has started the season well. He has 5 goal contributions in 12 games, as he will look to cause an organised Hemel backline problems in Saturday’s fixture.
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