In a crunch game at the top of the National League South, Worthing defeated Boreham Wood 2-1 to go top of the table, three clear of the chasing pack. In this article, we will assess their title chances.
After finishing third last year, Worthing managed to reach the playoff final, setting up a home clash with Braintree Town. The Iron ended up winning 3-4, denying Worthing National League football for the first time in their history. After Adam Hinshelwood left late in the campaign to join National League side York, creative maestro Joe Felix and 35-goal striker Ollie Pearce departed up north too.
However, in the traditional Worthing style, the managerial appointment was spot on. Chris Agutter was hired as the replacement from Hastings United. After impressing at the U's, thenager was appointed highly-rated ma, turning their season around in 2023-24. He took them from relegation battlers to promotion contenders, as they eventually finished just outside the playoffs. That was his second spell with the U’s after he guided them to the Isthmian Premier as South East Division Champions.
The 36-year-old is a highly rated coach and it was seen as a real coup for the Rebels when they acquired him. Agutter has plenty of experience with young players having held academy roles at Brighton and Stevenage, so was seen as the perfect fit.
While the season, as expected, started slowly, Worthing are now favourites for the title after victories over Boreham Wood, Torquay and Maidstone in recent weeks. They are now 12 games unbeaten in all competitions, winning ten of these as they continue their pursuit of the table. In front of goal, they have been impressive with 44 goals but the tightening up of a leaky defence has perhaps been Agutter's best work.
While Worthing may not have the National League South promotion know-how that teams like Maidstone, Torquay, Boreham Wood and Dorking have, they arguably boast the best squad in the league.
In goal, Chris Haigh is a very talented goalkeeper with the ball at his feet. At full-back, captain Joel Colbran provides goal threat and stability, while former Brighton academy graduate Sam Packham provides width on the other side. Joe Cook was a statement signing in the summer, having made 30 National League appearances for Dorking, while the recent addition of Joe Partington has added much-needed experience.
Glen Rea is a player who can and has played much higher but has dropped down to the sixth tier to enjoy his football again. His midfield partner Jack Spong is arguably the most technically proficient player in the league, boasting a first-team appearance at Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion. After failing to make much of an impact at Queens Park in Scotland, the 22-year-old has been a stand-out this year and is a shoo-in for a place in the NLS team of the season.
Danny Cashman is of a similar ilk to Spong and again is a player who should be playing at a higher level. The loan addition of Ruben Carvalho has added even more silk and flair to an already strong attack, while big target man Mo Faal adds goals and aerial presence. On top of this, Worthing have an abundance of talent on the bench and in their highly successful youth teams.
I had the pleasure of heading to a packed-out Woodside Road midweek to see Worthing beat Boreham Wood 2-1. The Rebels were impressive, suffocating Boreham Wood with a high press while having the bravery and technical ability to play themselves out of trouble. With the squad that Agutter has at his disposal, Worthing look like they are heading to the National League for the first time in their history.
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