Our opening match of the tournament three weeks ago ended in a narrow loss, with West Ham U21s coming from behind to execute a 2-1 win in West Sussex after Remiero Moulton’s half volley gave the Reds a lead going into the interval.
Spirits will be high heading into tonight’s fixture following the weekend’s late equaliser away to AFC Fylde, which earned a valuable point and the incomings of attackers Jordan Young and Charley Kendall from Torquay United and Southend United respectively.
The attacking duo have been registered in time to be at Adam Hinshelwood’s disposal this evening, as the Reds look to claim their first three points of the month.
Meanwhile, three points for Norwich will put them in the driving seat to advance into the last eight of the competition.
A reminder that if the scores are level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place, with the winner awarded an additional point.
The Opposition
Group B leaders Norwich City U21s will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table tonight in West Sussex following a slender victory away at Hornchurch.
West Ham were the only other team to taste victory on the opening matchweek, meaning the two outfits have an advantage over the other six clubs to secure the two qualification spots for the knockout stages.
It’s been an unbeaten start to the campaign for Norwich, with the Norfolk-based side yet to concede a goal in two Premier League two matches.
A 1-0 away win over Middlesbrough was followed up by a goalless draw against Stoke City 11 days ago.
Last season, Norwich finished 23rd in a 29 team Premier League 2 league, which earned them a spot in the play-offs, where they would go on to beat Sheffield United, Swansea City and Nottingham Forest before losing to Huddersfield Town.
A congested fixture schedule may see manager Olly Lee rotate his side, with the Canaries hosting Birmingham City in the Premier League 2 in just three days time.
The Gaffer
Lead U21s Coach Olly Lee is approaching the completion of two years of holding the responsibility of nurturing the future of Norwich City FC.
Having previously held coaching roles at both Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur, the move to Norfolk in November 2024 was his first step into coaching at Under-21 level.
Still early on in his career on the touchline, Lee took his first step into coaching while still playing in League One with Gillingham and practiced his craft at Tottenham Hotspur to assist him in earning his qualifications.
A product of the West Ham United academy, the former midfielder also featured for Birmingham City, Luton Town and Hearts, before calling time on his playing career due to injury in February 2023, which allowed him to fully focus on his passion for coaching.
The now 35-year-old held various part-time roles within the youth set-up at Spurs, eventually becoming a full-time coach in July 2023 before going on become Under-18s lead coach at Ipswich Town.
Football is in his DNA, with is father Rob Lee a former England international and Newcastle United midfielder and brother, Elliot, playing alongside him at Luton Town and was a key figure in Wrexham’s rise up the pyramid before recently parting ways.
One to Watch
Iraqi winger Botan Ameen is looking to score against another opponent who recently won promotion into the National League from the National League South this evening.
The 19-year-old broke the deadlock in the eventual 2-1 success away to Hornchurch in their first National League Cup outing and featured on the right flank in their Premier League 2 matches against Stoke City U21s and Middlesbrough U21s.
Ameen was purchased by the Norfolk based club in the earlier stages of last season after impressing in League Two with Swindon Town.
The teenager was involved heavily in the first-team set-up, even striking in the league against Grimsby Town.
In total, he made 19 first-team appearances in all competitions for Swindon, registering two goals and two assists, before completing his move to Carrow Road.
Tickets
Tickets for tonight’s clash are available to purchase online and at the turnstiles.
However, as always, supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to minimise disruption when entering the ground.
Both Worthing FC and Norwich City 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 Norwich City 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
Please note, tonight’s match kicks-off at 7:30pm, not 7:45pm.
17:30 – Turnstiles 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)
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 5:30pm – 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 ↗