Worthing FC and Eastbourne Borough Clash: Match Preview
The National League South enters its final phase with just 15 points remaining. Tomorrow’s fixture pits Worthing against Eastbourne Borough in a match with major consequences for both clubs.
Context and remaining schedule
Worthing sit second in the table. They trail leaders Dorking Wanderers by six points.
After facing Eastbourne, Worthing travel to Dorking on Easter Monday. They then host Dagenham & Redbridge and Ebbsfleet United. The campaign finishes with an away trip to Maidstone United.
Season stakes
Only four points separate the current play-off contenders. The top seven remain tightly bunched.
Eastbourne could see relegation confirmed with a defeat at home. A loss, combined with Farnborough picking up a point at Hampton & Richmond, would seal their drop.
Worthing team news
Manager Adam Hinshelwood’s squad returned seven points from three successive away matches. The team has not lost a league game at the STCS since September.
Defender Matt Burgess is ruled out after a training injury on Tuesday night. The club will assess the problem before planning rehabilitation.
Bailey Smith made his comeback last weekend after more than five months out with a torn hamstring. Josh Jeffries and Wiktor Makowski are available for selection.
Opposition turmoil
Eastbourne Borough have endured a dramatic decline from last season’s title challenge. They sat one point short of the 2024/25 title and lost to Maidstone in the play-off semi-final.
This term the club face relegation danger. They have used four different people in charge over the campaign.
Adam Murray left for Kidderminster Harriers in the summer. Matt Gray took charge but registered no wins in his first ten league matches and was dismissed. Tommy Widdrington then returned, but departed in February. Robbie Blake served as interim and secured wins over Torquay United and Hampton & Richmond. He was subsequently replaced by Steve King.
Steve King’s appointment
Steve King is the latest permanent manager. He is 51 and has managed ten clubs across a 25-year career.
His record includes league success at Lewes and Farnborough. Despite that pedigree, King has yet to reverse Eastbourne’s fortunes at the Connect Management Stadium.
Form and statistics
Worthing: W19 D9 L11, goal difference +34, currently 2nd. Recent results include a 0-0 draw with Maidenhead United and wins over Chelmsford City and AFC Totton.
Eastbourne Borough: W8 D8 L25, goal difference -29, sitting 24th. Recent matches include defeats to Salisbury, Ebbsfleet United, Maidenhead, and Chippenham.
Eastbourne are winless in five and have taken just three away points so far this calendar year.
Player to watch
Teenager Arthur Grout has been a standout for Eastbourne. The 17-year-old midfield prospect emerged from the Bexhill College pathway.
Grout has featured regularly and scored important goals. His performances will attract transfer interest if relegation is confirmed.
Previous meeting
The teams met on Boxing Day, 26 December 2025, with Worthing winning 3-0 away at Eastbourne. Jack Spong, Brad Dolaghan and Razzaq Coleman De-Graft were the scorers.
Matchday information
Supporters are advised to buy tickets in advance. The fixture will be segregated, with visiting fans located in the North East corner.
Food and drink will be available. Tickets can be purchased online via Fanbase.
- Adults: £18
- Concessions: £14
- Under-18: £8
- Under-12: £5
- Under-6: Free
How to follow
Live updates will appear on the club’s official X account. An official commentary service will provide live audio coverage.
Filmogaz.com will publish a match report and analysis after the final whistle.
This match preview aims to guide supporters through the key storylines. Worthing FC and Eastbourne Borough face contrasting pressures on the eve of this crucial clash.
