Preparations for the fast-approaching National League campaign intensify this evening in West Sussex, with the visit of the academy of Premier League neighbours Brighton.
Alongside implementing some new tactical ideas and continuing to increase the workload of the players, the Reds will also be looking to preserve their unbeaten streak during the off-season matches.
On Friday, the National League South champions were held away to a compact and well-drilled Enfield Town side, with the tussle ending 1-1.
Dom Hutchinson built upon his impressive start to life in a Red shirt with a clever finish to open the scoring early on, but the visitors were eventually pegged back in the second half.
Just two matches remain of the pre-season schedule, with the upcoming friendly with the Seagulls preceding this weekend’s West Sussex derby meeting with Horsham – also at Woodside Road.
A few players are poised to make their first appearance in Red, including Queens Park Rangers loanee Cory Adjetey-Brew. The defender arrived on Sussex shores yesterday on a temporary deal from the Championship academy.
The Opposition
Like Worthing, Brighton’s U21 also tasted league title success last season as they were crowned Premier League 2 Champions.
Despite only finishing 12th in the initial league phase, the format of the competition results in the winner being decided in the subsequent 16-team play-off phase.
Under the guidance of Shannon Ruth, the Seagulls convincingly progressed into the final without conceding a goal, as they advanced at the expense of Chelsea, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Then at the American Express Stadium, they repeated the trick in the final, edging out Manchester United with a 1-0 win and another clean sheet.
Brighton deservedly lifted the title aloft in Sussex, with Tyler Silsby’s goal the difference in the showdown. Not only did the tournament showcase the team’s defensive capabilities, but also their ability to perform under pressure.
The Gaffer
Shannon Ruth was appointed interim-coach alongside Andrew Crofts in February 2021, before taking on the role of senior professional development coach at the end of that season.
Ruth initially became Albion’s under-21 assistant coach in January 2018, following a spell as lead academy goalkeeping coach – a role he still oversees to this day.
After playing football at Non-League level in the National League, Ruth began coaching with Chelsea at the age of 18, as he worked with the under-9 to under-12 goalkeeper age groups at Cobham.
Head of goalkeeping roles at Aldershot and Reading followed, including four years with the latter.
With former Brighton manager and now Spurs gaffer Roberto De Zerbi appointing Andrew Crofts to his first team coaching staff, Ruth was promoted to Under-21s Head Coach in September 2022.
One to Watch
Brighton & Hove Albion’s boast several promising attacking prospects, but the current jewel in their crown is tricky winger Tyler Silsby. A left winger who can also operate across the front line, the 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season, becoming one of the U21’s key attacking players despite being only 17.
He featured consistently in Premier League 2 while continuing his development against older opposition, recording league goals and assists before producing his biggest moment of the season in the play-offs.
Silsby cemented his place in Brighton academy folklore by scoring the only goal in the Premier League 2 play-off final against Manchester United.
The decisive strike came in the 58th minute from Sean Keogh’s cross, securing a 1–0 victory and the Premier League 2 title for Shannon Ruth’s side.
Silsby also starred in the Sussex Senior Cup, scoring twice in a 4–1 victory over Bognor Regis Town, including a spectacular long-range effort and a penalty. The forward signed his first professional contract in Sussex last year and is touted as the next starlet to break into the first team.
Tickets
Tickets remain available to purchase online through FanBase and will also be on sale at the turnstiles for the same price.
Please note, 2026/27 Season Tickets are not eligible for Pre-Season fixtures, so supporters must secure entry separately for our Brighton & Hove Albion U21s and Horsham.
Ticket Prices and a link to purchase can be found below:
Prices
Adults – £10.00
Concessions/U22 – £6.00
U19 – £6.00
U7 – £1.00
Worthing FC vs Brighton U21s Tickets
Timings
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off at Woodside Road tomorrow evening. Please note, kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm, NOT 7:45PM.
17:30– Turnstiles & Club Shop open
18:45 – Team news & Warm-Ups
19:25 – Teams Emerge From Tunnel
19:30 – Kick-off
21:15– Full-time
(All timings are approximate and subject to change if necessary)
Food and Drink
For tomorrow’s friendly, food and drink refreshments will be available to purchase from our Stand Bar, located under the Arrow Taxi South Stand, and Main Kitchen Kiosk.
Our 1886 Lounge, in partnership with Jones & Tomlin, will be open for hospitality members only, while our St Elmo’s Chicken Shack, located in the North West Corner of the stadium, will be closed.
A reminder of the menu, containing what food items and beverages on are offer at Woodside, and prices are attached below.
Prices
Bacon Rolls – £4.00
Hamburger – £6.00
Cheeseburger – £7.00
FOOTLONG Hot Dog – £6.50
Chips – £3.50
Cheesey Chips – £4.50
Chicken Burger – £6.00
Chicken Strips – 5/7 £7.00/9.00
Chicken Chunks 6/9 £6.00/8.00
Bacon Cheeseburger £8.00
Add any Chips to a burger or chicken £3.00 extra
WFCSA
Courtesy of the generosity of the Worthing FC Supporters Association, the Club has been provided with state-of-the-art Commentary Gear for the upcoming season , which has already started to be implemented.
The WFCSA has partnered with our Official Commentary service, Rebels Live, for the 2026/27 campaign and beyond to enhance the listening experience for supporters.
At tonight’s, other home friendlies and official home matches, the friendly committee members will be out in their numbers and offering assistance to fans. Approach any of the members to discover find out how to secure your membership, learn about the perks and benefits of being a member and purchase a limited edition Champions Pin.
Club Shop
Our Club Shop will reopen for business tonight for the first time of the 2026/27. This is the perfect place to grab some official Worthing FC merchandise ahead of the start of our first-ever National League campaign.
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.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service, sponsored by the Worthing FC Supporters Association.
Travel and Parking
The ground is situated in the heart of a residential area, so we ask supporters to travel together and use public transport where possible. If travelling by car, please respect our neighbours by parking considerately.
We encourage visitors to travel to the ground by public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion and emissions.
Worthing and West Worthing train stations are both approximately a ten-minute walk to the ground. Supporters travelling by train, please check Southern Rail’s website before your journey. Ensure you leave early and in plenty of time.
There is currently a three-way traffic light system which is in place on Bulkington Avenue. Please leave ample time for your journey if you planning on travelling via that road.
Ground Regulations & Accessibility
For more general stadium information, including our accessibility guide, ground regulations and behaviour guidelines, please visit:
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗