Buoyed on by three wins in succession to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, Worthing can issue a statement to the rest of the division with a positive scoreline in Somerset this evening.
It will be the first time the two teams are pitted against each other since the 2023/24 season, where Yeovil were crowned National League South champions and the Rebels agonisingly fell short in the play-off final.
After a minor blip in form, tonight’s hosts have rediscovered the winning formula and enter this evening’s clash off the back of a pair of wins over Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers.
Victory on the weekend took Worthing into ninth and another three points today could see them rise into the top seven.
Both teams have scored in every league match they have competed in this season, with more goals expected this evening.
Team News
Attackers Dom Hutchinson and Ashley Nathaniel-George remain unavailable due to their exploits on international duty with Turks and Caicos Islands and Antigua and Barbuda respectively.
Harrison Foulkes and Matt Burgess are stepping up their recoveries and are verging on integrating back into first-team training sessions.
Recent acquisition Dominic Johnson-Fisher will be assessed after suffering a minor issue in training.
The Opposition
Historically, Yeovil Town are considered a powerhouse of Somerset football and reached the dizzying heights of the second tier of English football has recently as 13 years ago.
The Glovers’ subsequent demise has been well-documented, with four relegations in a decade seeing the team plummet down the pyramid ending up in the National League South for the 2023/24.
Since then, they have commenced a rebuilding phase. An instant return to the National League was achieved through comfortably winning the title, 11 points clear of second placed Chelmsford and third place Worthing.
They narrowly escaped relegation in their first campaign back in the fifth tier, with a four point margin separating them from the dreaded relegation zone.
Following another year of consolidation, Yeovil have their sights set on a play-off place and currently occupy sixth position after 10 matches.
The Gaffer
Billy Rowley’s philosophy is beginning to translate and manifest itself on the pitch at Huish Park, with the 42-year-old in the early stages of his first full season in charge at Huish Park.
Following a highly successful five-year spell at Walton & Hersham, which included an 18 month spell as Manager, the highly-sought after tactician was lured to Yeovil to succeed Richard Dryden.
Rowley has largely built his career around youth development and progressive coaching, having worked with Chelsea’s Centre of Excellence prior to involvement with Fulham’s development setup and Millwall’s academy.
His experience isn’t just confined to Europe, having also spent several years coaching in the United States with Manhattan SC.
His first major senior management opportunity came with Walton & Hersham, where he progressed from assistant to manager. He helped establish an attacking, high-tempo style and was a key part of the backroom staff that earned three promotions in five years.
Then as Manager, Rowley led the Swans to a third place league finish and their first Surrey Senior Cup title in 52 years during the 2024/25 season, with a penalty shootout defeat to Gloucester City in the play-off semi-final denying them a chance at promotion to the National League South.
Last season, he guided Yeovil to a 16th place finish last term and has commenced the campaign in strong fashion after instilling his principles during pre-season.
One to Watch
Glovers goalkeeper Jos Barker has arguably been the best-performing shot-stopper in the division and is turning heads at just 22-years-old.
His stock continues to rise, with a clean sheet and indomitable display in the 1-0 away win over Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday yielding a spot in the Enterprise Team of the Week, his second inclusion of the campaign.
Barker is also beloved internally at Huish Park, with his performances in between the sticks convincing his new supporters to vote him as their August Player of the Month.
The young talent was signed from Walton & Hersham in the summer after keeping 21 clean sheets in all competitions as the Swans secured promotion to the National League South and has reunited with ex-manager Billy Rowley.
Forward Johl Powell is making a well-argued case for Yeovil’s most indispensable talent in this current moment, with three goals in his last two outings helping his side pick up six points.
League Form Guide
Yeovil Town | W5 D3 L2 GD :+5 | Pos: 6th
League Form: WWDLL
MD6: Southend 3-2 Yeovil Town | Scorers: Archie Davies & Luke McCormick
MD7: Yeovil Town 1-4 AFC Fylde | Scorer: Luke McCormick
MD8: Aldershot Town 1-1 Yeovil Town | Scorers: Slavi Spasov
MD9: Yeovil Town 4-1 Solihull Moors | Scorers: Ryan Jones, Slavi Spasov & Johl Powell x2
MD10: Kidderminster 0-1 Yeovil Town | Scorer: Johl Powell
Worthing FC | W5 D2 L3 GD: +3 | Pos: 9th
League Form: WWWDD
MD6: AFC Fylde 2-2 Worthing FC | Scorer: Jose Marquez & Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
MD7: Worthing FC 2-2 Barrow AFC | Scorer: Dom Hutchinson x2
MD8: Worthing FC 1-0 Hornchurch FC | Scorer: Ricky Aguiar
MD9: Hartlepool United 1-3 Worthing FC | Scorers: Cory Adjetey-Brew, Ricky Aguiar & Jose Marquez
MD10: Worthing FC 2-1 FC Halifax Town | Scorers: Joe Cook & Jordan Young
Previous Meeting
Yeovil Town 1-3 Worthing FC, National League South, 6th April 2024
An Ollie Pearce brace either side of a poacher’s finish from Brad Dolaghan was enough to seal all three points in the last visit to Huish Park with goalkeeper Joe Wright also saving a spot-kick.
Tickets
Ticket prices and purchase information can be found below. Yeovil Town accept payment by cash, debit card and credit card on the turnstiles, with tickets also available online through Yeovil’s website.
Away supporters are housed in the open standing area of the away end. Seated areas (Blocks P & PP) are also available in the Screwfix Stand for away fans. Supporters are heavily advised not to travel to Huish Park without a ticket to avoid disappointment and to ensure a smooth entry into the ground.
Buy your tickets here: Yeovil Town vs Worthing FC Tickets
Prices
Adult – £19.00
65+ £17.00
U18 – £15.00
Armed Forces (British Forces ID Required at Turnstiles)- £17.00
U16 – £6.00
U14 – £4.00
Student (with valid ID card) – £15.00
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
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 ↗