Adam Hinshelwood’s side still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, but they must win their final two matches against Ipswich tonight and Fulham U21s in a few weeks time and hope Norwich City U21s, Braintree Town and Hornchurch pick up less than two points in their remaining games.
After two group clashes, the Rebels have one point on the board. Their first-ever National League Cup battle ended in a narrow home defeat to last year’s finalists West Ham United U21s in August before a goalless draw with Norwich City concluded with the Reds losing out on an additional point on on penalties.
Currently, tonight’s hosts are into double figures for consecutive games unbeaten following the weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Solihull Moors at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
A reminder that in this competition, if the scores are level after 90 minutes, each team will collect one point and then fight it out in a penalty shootout for a chance at earning another point.
The Opposition
The U21 age group of Premier League outfit Ipswich Town will be craving a victory tonight after suffering a few heavy losses to senior teams in recent weeks.
In Robbie Savage’s first game in charge, Peterborough recorded a 4-1 victory over the Tractor Boys exactly one week ago in the EFL Trophy, with their other outing in that tournament also ended with them on the receiving end of a heavy scoreline – a 6-0 hammering away to Luton Town.
Away from cup competitions, Ipswich are three games into their Premier League 2 campaign, comprehensively triumphing over Blackburn Rovers either side of defeats to Manchester United and Sunderland.
Last term, they finished in fifth position in the league phase of the PL2, only five points off league leaders Chelsea, but fell short in the Round of 16 stage to eventual winners Brighton & Hove Albion U21s.
The Gaffer
Manager John McGreal has been responsible for nurturing and mentoring the next generation of Ipswich players for over four years after stepping up into the role of manager in 2022.
This preceded a brief stint as Caretaker Manager of the First-Team while they were in League One, which coincided with his time as Assistant Manger of the Academy side.
McGreal was nominated for the inaugural Premier league 2 Head Coach of the Year Award last season as he guided his squad to a top five finish in their maiden PL2 campaign in fifth place, picking up wins over the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal along the way.
Previously, the 54-year-old was in charge of EFL outfits Swindon Town and Colchester United, spending four years with the latter.
One to Watch
Goalkeeper Woody Williamson returns to Sussex this evening, having spent a portion of last season on loan at Eastbourne Borough.
The 20-year-old spent the festive period on the South Coast and played the entire 90 minutes of the Sports’ 3-0 home loss to Adam Hinshelwood’s Worthing on Boxing Day. He was recalled in February after making 13 league appearances under Tommy Widdrington.
Woody Williamson of Ipswich Town – Ipswich Town U21 v Newcastle United U21, Premier League 2, Portman Road, Ipswich, UK – 31st October 2025That was the Scotsman’s third temporary spell away from Portman Road, with a previous stint in the National League South with Chelmsford City in the 2024/25 campaign and Cheshunt.
Williamson is heavily involved in his national team set-up and has been called up to the Scotland U21s multiple times, although is yet to make his debut as he was an unused substitute in their Euro U21s qualification tussles against Portugal and Gibraltar.
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 Ipswich Town 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 Ipswich Town 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
As usual, the stand bar is expected to be very busy with the bar renowned for being one of the more popular locations for supporters to congregate ahead of kick-off.
The Bar will serve alcoholic, soft drinks and hot drinks, but there are no snacks available in here. Again, 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 ↗