Worthing host Southend United at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium on Tuesday evening with just one point separating the sides in the National League table. The fourth-placed Rebels are unbeaten in 10 league matches, while third-placed Southend arrive having lost only twice in their opening 14 fixtures.
Adam Hinshelwood’s side extended their unbeaten league run with a 2-1 victory at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. Ben Crompton had given the hosts a first-half lead, but Razzaq Coleman De-Graft equalised before substitute Dominic Johnson-Fisher created the winner for Cory Adjetey-Brew. Goalkeeper Taylor Seymour also made several important saves as Worthing secured a third successive league victory.
Worthing had previously beaten Solihull Moors 5-0, with Jordan Young providing three first-half assists and Adjetey-Brew scoring twice. The Queens Park Rangers loanee has now scored three times in his last two league appearances, giving Southend another attacking threat to consider.
Southend were denied a third consecutive league victory on Saturday when FC Halifax Town twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Roots Hall. Promise Omochere put the Shrimpers ahead from the penalty spot before Amari Morgan-Smith equalised, and a late Mackenzie Maltby own goal appeared to have secured the points until Tayt-Lemar Trusty struck in the 90th minute.
The equaliser came amid controversy over a Southend substitution, with Ben Goodliffe waiting to enter the field as the visitors scored. Manager Kieron Dyer and goalkeeping coach Anssi Jaakkola were subsequently dismissed following protests. Southend nevertheless remain unbeaten in four league matches, having beaten AFC Fylde and Boston United before the Halifax draw.
Worthing’s latest team-news information has identified Harry Ransom, Noor Husin, Tyrique Clarke and Harrison Foulkes among their injury absentees, although their availability for Tuesday requires confirmation. Both clubs will be looking to maintain their recent league form in a meeting that could change the order immediately behind second-placed Harrogate Town.
Southend enter the fixture third on 28 points from 14 games, one ahead of Worthing. A home victory would take the Rebels above their visitors, while an away win would extend Southend’s advantage to four points.
