Last weekend’s unlikely 3-2 away victory over title favourites and Non-League heavyweights Carlisle United injected a shot of hope and assurance into the Reds’ squad that they are capable of picking up points in a division decorated with gargantuan outfits for the level.
After finding themselves a goal down at half-time, a trio of clinical finishes from Dom Hutchinson, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Ricky Aguiar resulted in a turnaround, before a late Carlisle goal made the closing stages nervy.
However, the visitors weathered a late Cumbrian storm to record their first points on the board in the National League, in what was their inaugural outing.
That result tees up an enticing clash with Robbie Savage’s Forest Green Rovers – another side that have been hotly-tipped to challenge for promotion into the Football League this season.
It’s a repeat of last season’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie at Woodside, Hinshelwood’s first game of his third spell in charge, making them a fitting opponent for the the Club’s opening fifth tier match at Woodside Road in their history.
Team News
In his pre-match interview, manager Adam Hinshelwood confirmed that Ashley Nathaniel-George and Bailey Smith haven’t recovered in time to feature at Woodside, with the pair joining Noor Husin, Tyrique Clarke, George Cox and Matt Burgess in the treatment room.
Forest Green Rovers loanee Jose Marquez is unable to play against his parent club after making his debut for the Rebels from the bench in last weekend’s success on the road.
The Opposition
Forest Green enjoyed a similarly successful beginning to their 2026/27 campaign, mirroring the Reds’ 3-2 triumph over Carlisle United with victory over FC Halifax Town by the same scoreline.
Again, like Worthing, the Gloucestershire-based side also conceded first on the opening day, but showed great resolve to reply with three goals before conceding late.
Following a top seven finish last term and falling short in the play-offs, the side that was competing in League One as recently as the 2022/23 season will be determined to challenge for the title this time round.
A run of one win in nine matches in the New Year ultimately derailed their hopes of promotion, before an upturn in form ensured the Green Army still salvaged a play-off place.
This is their third successive National League campaign, with a tally of 81 and 83 points over the last few years. More consistency could turn them from bridesmaids into the bride come April.
The Gaffer
Polarising figure and long-serving pundit Robbie Savage visits Woodside as a manager for a second time this weekend, with the Welshman hoping his side emulate their performance from 10 months ago.
Despite being 51-years-old, the former Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Birmingham City midfielder is only in his third full season in senior management in just his second role.
Savage was lured to the New Lawn last summer after guiding Macclesfield back into the National League North with over 100 points. Heavily involved in with Silkmen, the BCC Radio 5 live host was initially employed as the Director of Football following the club’s rebirth, but made the bold decision to step into management following a few years of success. His decision proved to be the correct one following a dominant campaign, which gave Savage the confidence to step out of his comfort zone and join Forest Green Rovers.
One season down in Gloucestershire – and following a year that failed to live up to expectation – Savage will now be looking to kick on and help his players reach the Football League.
One to Watch
Skipper Kyle McAllister is amongst the division’s most prolific forwards and produced the standout performance from any player in the entire National League on the opening day.
Taking the responsibility of the captain’s armband into his stride, the Scotsman scored once and assisted the other two goals in Forest Green’s 3-2 win over FC Halifax Town last Saturday.
Already with three contributions to his name in a single 90 minute display, the former St. Mirren and Partick Thistle attacker is 22 goals and assists away from matching his tally from last season.
Only 12 players struck more times than his 16 goals in the 2026/26 campaign, with six of them arising from the penalty spot.
Not just a goal scorer, McAllister also supplied six assists as the Vegans clinched a top seven spot.
Previously, the 27-year-old has recorded double figures in the fifth tier for both goals and assists and is closing in on the 50 goal mark for the Green Army.
Previous Meeting
Worthing FC 1-4 Forest Green Rovers – Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – 13th October 2025
In the only other previous encounter between the two sides, Forest Green prevailed in Adam Hinshelwood’s first game back as Worthing manager in front of the TNT Sports cameras at Woodside.
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood
“We’re really looking forward to our first-ever home match in the fifth tier in the Club’s history. It should be a really good match to gauge where we’re at as a team.”
Tickets
Tickets are selling out fast for tomorrow’s clash with Forest Green Rovers, with tickets available to purchase online and on the turnstiles.
However, as always, supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment of missing out and to minimise the disruption when entering the ground. The Club can never guarantee the availability of tickets at the turnstiles in the event of a sell-out. Buy your tickets here: Worthing FC vs Forest Green Rovers Tickets
Segregation will be in place for this match. Away supporters will be housed in the North East corner of the stadium, with food and drink refreshments available, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Both Worthing FC and Forest Green Rovers supporters can purchase their tickets online via Fanbase.
Please note as part of a newly-introduced rule, children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult, otherwise they will be refused entry. Refunds are awarded at the Club’s discretion.
Pricing
Prices
Adults – £22.00
Concessions – £18.00
U22 – £16.00
U19 – £9.00
U14 – £6.00
U7 – £1.00
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.
Or if you prefer, you can watch Behind- the-Scenes access over on our Instagram account.
You can also listen to live commentary through the club’s official commentary service or watch the match live on DAZN.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗