87 days have passed since the Reds last graced the pitch at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, where history occurred in West Sussex.
A 2-0 victory over Ebbsfleet United on the final day of the 2025/26 season guaranteed their status as National League South Champions and winners of automatic promotion into the top tier of Non-League football.
Time moves fast in football and less than three months later the Club is only 18 days away from a season opener against Carlisle United at Brunton Park.
Tonight’s friendly is the fourth of seven pre-season matches, with this Saturday’s scheduled friendly battle against Bracknell Town at Woodside Road an impromptu postponement.
This evening, several summer signings will have the chance to acquaint themselves with their new fans or, in Jack Wadham’s case, reacquaint, after the 23-year-old midfielder permanently resigned yesterday evening.
The Opposition
Providing a pathway into the first-team, the QPR Development squad boats multiple budding talents in their ranks who will once again be looking to impose themselves against senior opposition.
This summer, the junior Rangers have already toppled fellow National League side Wealdstone by virtue of a 4-2 away victory and emphatically dispatched of Hemel Hempstead with a 5-1 win – also on their travels.
Following their visit to Woodside, group of youngsters will also face Hampton & Richmond Borough, Dulwich Hamlet, Sutton United, Crystal Palace U21s and a PFA XI prior to embarking on a fresh campaign in the Premier League Professional Development League.
Last term, they placed in 16th position in the Under-21 competition comprising of 20 Clubs from Category Two Academies with Brentford ending the season top of the pile.
The Gaffer
At Loftus Road, Anthony Hayes has been responsible for shaping player progression and tactical model for a little over a year as Head of Methodology and Development Squad Lead Head Coach.
A vastly experienced coach, Hayes is renowned in the capital for his ability to nurture young players having previously worked at Crystal Palace U21s, Brentford’s academy and Charlton Athletic – where he enjoyed three games as Caretaker Manager of the Senior side.
Further roles in First-Team set-ups include time spent at Sunderland as a First Team Coach and a spell as Assistant Manager at Gillingham.
One to Watch
The name of agile and versatile full-back Jaiden Putman may ring a few bells to eagle-eyed Worthing supporters, with the teenager facing up against the Reds in a competitive setting as recent as last year.
Putman spent the second half of last season on loan at Bath City and was part of the Romans outfit that edged out the Reds in a 3-2 win at Twerton Park back in January.
Despite providing a bright spark, Putman’s energetic showings in 24 appearances wasn’t enough to prevent Bath from relegation come April.
It wasn’t the first experience the 19-year-old had gained in the sixth tier, having also spent a brief period at National League North side Oxford City in 2025.
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 friendlies against QPR U21s, 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 Queens Park Rangers 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.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service, sponsored by the Worthing FC Supporters Association.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗