Forest Green Rovers take a break from league action on Monday night as they travel to the South Coast to take on Worthing in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season last time out at home to Rochdale and will be looking to bounce back at Woodside Road.
Ahead of the clash, here is everything you need to know about our opponents.
The Opposition: Worthing
Nickname: ‘The Rebels’
League: National League South
League Position: 15th
Worthing have made a disappointing start to their National League South campaign, picking up just 12 points from their opening 10 league games. They’ve suffered four defeats in those games, including their last two. They have been consistent performers at the level since their promotion in the 2021/22 season, finishing fourth twice and third in their three season in the National League South.
To reach this stage of the competition, Worthing have overcome two lower league opponents. In the Second qualifying round, the Rebels needed a replay to see off Step four side Jersey Bulls after drawing 2-2 over in the Channel Island. A convincing 5-0 victory at home set up an away tie at Wimborne Town where they won 3-0.
In The Dugout - Adam Hinshelwood
Adam Hinshelwood is the man back in the dugout for Worthing after the announcement of his return on Thursday evening.
Hinshelwood was sacked by former club York City in August, despite the club making an unbeaten start under his management.
The 41-year-old has already had two spells with Worthing, from 2013 to 2015 and 2017 to 2024.
In his second spell in charge, Hinshelwood guided the club to promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division in 2021 and finished in the Play Offs in his two full seasons in charge in the National League South.
Now back for his third spell as boss, Hinshelwood will be looking to achieve a similar level of success.
Player To Watch - Nick Wheeler
Nick Wheeler joined Worthing in the Summer of 2023 after departing fellow National League South side Dorking Wanderers.
Wheeler has been a consistent performer for the Rebels in his two full seasons with the club, being awarded the Supporter’s Player of the Season for the 2024/25 season.
His only goal so far this season came in the club’s 4-3 victory over Horsham at the start of August.
A player with a wand of a left foot, Rovers will need to be wary of the player’s quality in and around the box.
