90 minutes stand between Adam Hinshelwood’s side and a maiden elevation into the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
There are several permutations to consider prior to tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off, but a win by any scoreline would put the Rebels’ destiny beyond doubt. Hornchurch are the only other side in the running for the league title, but they have to claim victory over play-off contenders Maidenhead United in the capital to have any chance of surpassing the Mackerel Men.
Ebbsfleet will be looking to upset the party in West Sussex, with their fate yet to be decided and plenty for them still to battle for. The sheer competitiveness of the league can be highlighted by the close proximity of the teams inside the top nine of the National League South. Only four points separate third to ninth place, with the Fleet possibly finish as high as second place and as a low ninth.
A response is required from the Reds following last weekend’s narrow away defeat to Maidstone Untied, which halted an eight-game unbeaten run.
Individual accolades are also still up for grabs, with Brad Dolaghan leading the race for the NLS Golden Boot. The academy graduate has scored 23 goals this season, two more than Hornchurch’s Angelo Balanta.
Woodside Road is poised for a large crowd eagerly awaiting an entertaining spectacle, which will be broadcasted live on DAZN with a 12:30pm kick-off.
Team News
Adam Hinshelwood’s midfield options are depleted ahead of the weekend’s action through a combination of ill-discipline and injury. Jack Spong is not available for selection after our number 10 was sent off in the dying embers of last weekend’s narrow away defeat to Maidstone United for committing two bookable offences.
Sam Packham’s condition is being closely monitored, as the Reds’ top assister has missed the last two matches with an ankle issue. Earlier on in the week, it was confirmed that Matt Burgess faces a number of week on the sidelines after rupturing two ligaments in his ankle during training at the start of the month.
The Opposition
Ebbsfleet United enter this afternoon’s match knowing that their destiny is in their own hands – with three points confirming their spot within the top seven and sealing a place in the play-offs.
Four victories out of their last five matches has seen them emerge through the pack of teams competing to clinch the opportunity to fight for promotion, as they have flexed their muscles over the likes of Hampton & Richmond Borough and Dover Athletic in recent weeks.
The Fleet were one of the early pace setters this season, picking up the maximum return of nine points from their opening three games without conceding a goal.
One triumph out their next eight attempts saw the Kent-based outfit slip down the pecking order in the league standings, but from the festive period onwards they have consistently picked up points.
They share an identical defensive record with the Rebels with 52 goals conceded and are one of the most in-form teams in the division.
The Gaffer
Josh Wright is vying to finish inside the play-off places this term, to keep his dream alive of registering a promotion on his CV in first full season in management.
The 36-year-old is highly-regarded as one of Non-League’s most promising young coaches and during an 18-month spell at the Kufflink Stadium the former Fleet midfielder has overseen a rebuilding phase.
After manager Harry Watling was relieved of his duties in December 2024 and with Ebbsfleet struggling in the relegation zone of the National League, Wright became player/manager of the side.
Following their relegation, faith was entrusted into the midfielder during the summer to continue his work at the club with a blank slate, as they looked to seal an immediate return to the top tier of Non-League football.
It took a few months for Wright to find his feet, but the burgeoning tactician found his groove resulting in him being awarded with the Enterprise National League South Manager of the Month award for December 2025, having overseen three successive league wins.
One to Watch
For big occasions such as tomorrow, players with the experience that Kwesi Appiah possesses will be crucial for an Ebbsfleet outfit searching for a pivotal victory.
Now 35, the Ghanian striker has improved as the season has progressed, with the Fleet forward recently entered a rich vein of goalscoring form.
Appiah has struck eight times in his last 11 matches, after only scoring four goals in the previous 23 appearances.
A brace last weekend in the 4-0 victory over Hampton & Richmond Borough earned Ebbsfleet’s number 10 a spot in the Enterprise National League South Team of the Week.
The master marksman has played for a plethora of clubs throughout his career including AFC Wimbledon, Boreham Wood and Crystal Palace. He has played in some of the biggest games in the global football calendar, with the pinnacle being his start in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final against Ivory Coast.
Ebbsfleet are blessed with prolific players across the frontline, with fellow striker Dom Samuel recording 17 goals this campaign.
League Form Guide
Worthing FC | W24 D9 L12 GD: +45 | Pos: 1st
League Form: LWWWD
MD41: Enfield Town 1-1 Worthing FC | Scorers: Teddy Jenks
MD42: Worthing FC 2-1 Eastbourne Borough | Scorers: Razzaq Coleman De-Graft & Joe Cook
MD43: Dorking Wanderers 1-2 Worthing FC | Scorers: Razzaq Coleman De-Graft & Remiero Moulton
MD44: Worthing FC 7-2 Dagenham & Redbridge | Scorers: Jack Spong , Wiktor Makowski x2, Teddy Jenks, Callum Morton, Joe Cook & Brad Dolaghan
MD45: Maidstone United 2-1 Worthing FC | Scorer: Wiktor Makowski
Ebbsfleet United | W22 D11 L12 GD: +21 | Pos: 6th
League Form: WLWWW
MD41: Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Slough Town | Scorers: Kwesi Appiah & Josh Coley
MD42: Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Ebbsfleet United | Scorers: Ben Chapman & Kwesi Appiah
MD43: Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Dover Athletic | Scorers: Ronny Nelson, Ben Chapman, Charlie Seaman, Kwesi Appiah
MD44: Hornchurch 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
MD45: Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Hampton & Richmond Borough | Scorers: Kwesi Appiah X2, Charlie Seaman & Finlay Barnes
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood & Joel Colbran
“The fans have been phenomenal all season – I know they’re are going to come along and bring the noise.”
“Training has been really good this week, all the boys are together. We are going to give it everything.”
Previous Meeting
Ebbsfleet United 1-2 Worthing FC, 6th December 2025, National League South
The Reds made it four away league successes on the bounce back in December with a gritty capture of three points at the Kufflink Stadium.
Tickets
The home allocation is completely sold out for this fixture, with all the tickets swiftly purchased. Any Worthing FC supporters found to have bought tickets for the away section will be denied entry or ejected from the ground.
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
