Only 118 days ago, the Rebels met the Towners in a league setting, as they played out a tight 1-1 draw at the Dave Bryant Stadium back in late March.
Teddy Jenks’ deft header from a corner levelled matters after full-back Nino Adom-Malaki’s scorching strike from distance.
A few weeks later, Worthing were lifting the league title aloft at Woodside Road, while Enfield were licking their wounds after relegation.
It’s a chance for the Reds to exercise some revenge tonight, with the National League South champions failing to beat this evening’s opponents in either of the two encounters last term.
So far, it’s been an unbeaten period of preparation for the Reds. Draws away to AFC Bournemouth U21s and Frome Town have been complemented by victories with clean sheets over Selsey and Queens Park Rangers U21s on Tuesday night.
Ollie Godziemski headed in the only goal of the game as the Mackerel Men edged out the young Hoops at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Including tonight, only three non-competitive matches remain for Worthing before our hotly-anticipated National League debut away to Carlisle United on Saturday 8 August.
THE OPPOSITION
Heading into the 2026/27 season, Enfield Town will be among the favourites to seal promotion back into the National League South.
The last few years certainly haven’t been lacking in entertainment, but the Towners will likely be hoping for some security in the coming years.
Following their success in the Isthmian League Premier Division 2023/24 play-off campaign courtesy of dominant 3-0 victory on enemy territory in the final away to Chatham Town, Enfield retained their their status in the National League South on the final day of the following season despite losing 5-1 to Worthing team starring Muhammadu Faal and Temi Babalola.
However, last year proved one term too many for Enfield as they finished 10 points clear of safety in 23rd position.
Now under different management, the seventh tier side are a fortnight away from commencing the 26/27 season, with many supporters quietly confident of an immediate return.
THE GAFFER
A new era has recently begun in a northern section of the capital, with manager Billy Holland taking charge of only his second home game as Enfield Town gaffer tonight.
After three seasons at the helm, it was announced that former manager Gavin Macpherson would part ways with the Towners following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, with the Club’s relegation already confirmed.
That has offered his successor, Holland, a blank canvas to try and rebuild, consolidate and eventually transform the club’s fortunes. Now back in the Isthmian League Premier Division, Enfield will be plotting an immediate return back to National League South football.
Holland joins off the back of a seven-year stint at Waltham Abbey, with over half of that period spent as joint-manager.
During the three seasons he was in sole charge, Holland guided the Abbotts to three consecutive play-off finishes at Step 4, winning several plaudits for his attractive brand of football in the process.
As a player, represented the likes of Aveley, Redbridge and Hornchurch, while also immortalising himself at Waltham Abbey as their all-time record appearance maker and goalscorer.
ONE TO WATCH
Dynamic and versatile attacking force Billy Leonard is likely to be one of the key figures in helping Enfield Town compete at the top of the table.
Comfortable operating as a winger or in an advanced midfield role, Leonard joined from Hendon in 2024 after scoring nine goals in 39 Southern League games, which earned the now 24-year-old their Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards.
Prior to his time at Hendon, he also enjoyed impressive stints with Harrow Borough and North Greenford United.
Last season, Leonard didn’t miss a single league match for the Towners, but his five goals and four assists wasn’t enough for them to avoid demotion.
Tickets
Ticket Prices for the match at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium are listed below. Entry costs the same online in advance as it would purchasing your ticket on the turnstiles, although supporters are still encouraged to buy your ticket before travelling.
Adult: £10.00
Concessions (over 65 & students): £5.00
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, videos on our Instagram and a match report at full-time.
Unfortunately live commentary via the club’s official commentary service, sponsored by the Worthing FC Supporters Association, will not be in action tonight.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗