OPPOSITION FOCUS | Worthing (H)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

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 their seasons that 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. Last season saw Worthing build a platform for both striker Ollie Pearce, who scored 40 goals in last season’s campaign alongside manager

Adam Hinshelwood, who recently returned following a spell at York City in the National League. Having experienced both relegations and promotions within their existence, Worthing will be looking to jump to the 1st tier of non-league football for the first time as they currently sit in the playoff positions.

The Manager: Adam Hinshelwood

Having announced the departure of highly-rated coach Chris Agutter to Sutton United during the early stages of this season, 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, he looks to go one better with the Rebels currently in 4th in the table.

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 been a key feature in Worthing’s squads as a source of creativity with 7 goals and 2 assists in 22 league appearances.

Worthing head into this fixture winless in seven games since their 3-2 victory over Dorking Wanderers, which has seen them slip down from top spot in the league to fourth place. After narrow defeats to Bath City and Hampton & Richmond, Worthing have been looking to regain some winning momentum, but draws to Weston-Super-Mare and Dover Athletic have halted this. The Rebels will be looking for a win at their eighth attempt at the Focus Community Arena.

Last 5 Games:

🟡Draw 1-1 vs Dover Athletic 7/2/26

🟡Draw 1-1 vs Weston-Super-Mare 31/1/26

🔴Lost 1-0 vs Hampton & Richmond 27/1/26

🔴Lost 3-2 vs Bath City 24/1/26

🟡Draw 1-1 vs Horsham 17/1/26

Ones to watch:

Name: Brad Dolaghan

Joined: July 2025

Position: Striker

Since joining the Rebels ahead of this season after his release from West Ham, Brad Dolaghan has been an instant force in front of goal for Worthing. The striker is currently leading in the race for the league’s top goalscorer with an outstanding 20 goals in 27 league appearances, including five assists. Dolaghan was a thorn in the Tudors side in the reverse fixture as he scored two goals in a 4-0 victory, with his goalscoring form likening him to Ollie Pearce, who went on an outstanding goalscoring run before his transfer from Worthing.

Name: Razzaq Coleman De-Graft

Joined: July 2025

Position: Winger

After some departures to Worthing’s frontline ahead of this campaign, the Rebels were able to strengthen their wingers with the signing of Razzaq Coleman De-Graft. Known for his speed and skill, he has been an instant threat for a Worthing side who like to control possession and attack, creating a nuisance for defences. De-Graft currently has nine goals and six assists in 28 league games and has regularly featured for the Rebels, playing a key role to their success this season.

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.