Tonight’s hosts will be looking to respond following the weekend’s disappointing result against Sutton United and start November in a positive manner with an encouraging performance and result.
Heading into the final of four group matches, Adam Hinshelwood’s side will be aiming to register their first victory in the competition with success over the Cottagers.
After failing to win any of the previous three outings in the tournament, it is mathematically impossible for the Mackerel Men to progress into the knockout stages. Their opening match back in August ended in a narrow defeat to last year’s finalists West Ham United U21s prior to a goalless stalemate and subsequent penalty shootout defeat to Norwich City U21s.
Last time out in the National League Cup, Emmerson Sutton’s early goal was cancelled out before a stunning effort from Luca Fletcher resulted in Ipswich Town U21s stealing the full complement of points in West Sussex.
Meanwhile, Fulham sit in seventh out of the eight-team mini league table, one place above Worthing, but with an outside chance of qualifying into the quarter-finals.
A reminder that should the encounter end level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place to decide who earns another point on top of the one both teams would have already secured for the draw.
The Opposition
Also winless in this competition so far, a much-needed three points for Fulham this evening could see them join London neighbours West Ham in the last eight of this competition.
However, with five teams also vying for that second place spot in Group B, the Cottagers will need to win by a handsome margin and hope that the teams above them all drop points.
A positive factor of their time in this tournament has been their composure to prevail in two penalty shootouts. First holding their nerve to edge out Aldershot Town away from home after the match had ended 2-2, before Bosnian goalkeeper Dino Kaiser saved two kicks from 12 yards to beat Hornchurch on spot-kicks in October.
Away from their National League Cup exploits, the West Londoners are sitting in a respectable eighth position in the Premier League 2, trailing league leaders Tottenham Hotspur by six points.
Having enjoyed a 10-day rest following their home loss to Brighton, Fulham will be in the mood to get back into the groove of winning, starting at Woodside Road this evening.
The Gaffer
Daniels enjoyed a professional playing career that spanned 17 years and is best known for his time at AFC Bournemouth, where he featured over 250 times for the Cherries and a played pivotal role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.
After his eight-year stint in Dorset concluded in 2020, the Englishman ventured into spells at Shrewsbury Town, Portsmouth and Colchester United before retiring in 2022 on exactly 500 professional appearances.
Swiftly after hanging up his boots, Daniels made his first foray into coaching in the Youth Development Phase with Watford prior to becoming the Hornets’ U18s Head Coach and then U21s Head Coach.
Following the departure of Javi Gracia in February 2026, Daniels stepped in as First-Team Interim Head Coach at Vicarage Road, taking charge of two games in the Championship.
Leaving in the summer, the 40-year-old carefully considered his options before deciding to take the next step in his career with Fulham.
One to Watch
Despite only recently turning 18, Cameroonian winger Macauley Zepa has already recorded a goal contribution for Fulham’s first-team this season.
Introduced at half-time by Alvaro Arbeloa in August’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon, the teenager provided the assist for Gonzalo Garcia’s stoppage-time to add the finishing touch to the Premier League outfit’s first win of the season.
Unsurprisingly, Zepa has also been in fine form in the youth set-up with his brace in their most recent match – a 4-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion – taking his goal scoring tally to six goals for the season.
In the National League Cup, the former Arsenal prospect netted away to Hornchurch a few weeks ago, while also supplying an assist in August’s 2-2 draw with Aldershot.
Expected to feature tonight, Zepa is amongst an elite pool of talent in the Fulham ranks that are expected burst onto the scene at Craven Cottage.
Tickets
Tickets for tonight’s clash are available to purchase online and at the turnstiles.
As always, supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to minimise disruption when entering the ground.
Both Worthing FC and Fulham U21s 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 – £10.00
Concessions/U22 – £6.00
U7 – £1.00
Buy your tickets here: Worthing FC vs Fulham U21s Tickets
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.
Timings
17:45 – Turnstiles open
19:00 – Team news & Warm-Ups
19:40 – Teams Emerge From Tunnel
19:45 – Kick-off
21:30– Full-time
(All timings are approximate and subject to change if necessary)
Stadium Map
A bird’s eye view of the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, including entrance points, refreshment outlets and other facilities.
Club Shop
Our Club Shop will open at approximately 5:45pm – shortly after the gates open and will close at the beginning of the second half.
The shop is the perfect place to grab some official Club merchandise ahead of the season, with all three official club shirts and our Champions 2025/26 tees in stock and ready to be bought!
The Shop is situated directly in front of the turnstiles and to the right of our FanZone, making it a prime location for supporters with easy access. For al clothing items – ranging from headwear, to old shirts – the shop is the place to go!
Food and Drink
Stand Bar
The Bar will serve alcoholic, soft drinks and hot drinks, but there are no snacks available in here. Supporters are directed towards our new tuck shop to fulfil your sugary-based needs.
There are three points of service at the bar and capacity is limited. Please use the inside of the building to queue, rather than outside the door, as the rules for alcohol consumption in sight of the pitch remain in action. Please don’t open the windows, as they are frosted to ensure that we comply with these rules.
St Elmo’s
St Elmo’s Shack and Pop-Up Bars will not be in operation for this evening’s match.
Main Kitchen
Our main kitchen will be open, including vegetarian options and the new king-size hotdog!
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗