A trip to newly-promoted Worthing this afternoon gives the Wood the chance to head into September at the summit.
Promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division as champions in 2022 propelled the Rebels into the upper echelons of the Enterprise National League South straight away.
After being defeated by Braintree Town at home in the 2024 play-off final, they used that disappointment as fuel to go one better last term as they clinched the title following a final day victory over Ebbsfleet United.
At the heart of their promising start to the season, Razzaq Coleman De Graft has been a key cog in Worthing’s midfield.
He started his career within the academy set-ups at Crystal Palace, Fulham and Charlton Athletic, but it was a move to Lewes in the summer of 2021 from Hampton & Richmond Borough which helped his career take off.
In his second campaign at The Dripping Pan, he notched 14 goals which was when teams higher up the pyramid began to take notice, resulting in his move to Maidstone United.
De Graft failed to nail down a regular first-team role there, resulting in him joining Aveley where he helped guide the Millers to the National League South play-offs in 2024, before signing for Hornchurch in February 2025.
Heading back down to the south coast with the Rebels proved to be an inspired decision, spearheading their National League South promotion last term and he will be integral if they are to retain their fifth-tier status.
A revered figure in Worthing, Adam Hinshelwood has gained hero status in these parts after securing promotion to the top tier of non-league for the first time in their history.
Father of Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Jack, he moved into management after a successful playing career with the likes of Aldershot Town and Wycombe Wanderers.
Spells at Selsey and Burgess Hill Town, where he took on the role of player-manager with the latter, followed before becoming Worthing manager at the end of 2013. A brief stint away as he pursued a full-time opportunity at Brighton led to his return in 2017, guiding them out of the Isthmian Premier Division in the 2021/22 season.
His work at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium soon began to attract admirers, with York City swooping in midway through the 2023/24 season. After guiding the Minstermen away from relegation, a first full season brought major success as they finished in second place but were defeated by Oldham Athletic in the play-off semi-final.
Hinshelwood was surprisingly dismissed despite his miraculous work last August, prompting his return to the Rebels for the third time to replace Sutton United-bound Chris Agutter. The figurehead of their National League South promotion, the 42-year-old was also named the division’s Manager of the Season.
We last locked horns with the Rebels in our last season in the National League South and despite promotion, they got the better of us on both occasions.
The first meeting came in the opening knockings of the season as Temi Babalola broke the deadlock inside 15 minutes before Lee Ndlovu equalised with just under 20 minutes remaining. However, now Wood forward Danny Cashman had the final say with a marauding run from deep before an equally impressive finish to ensure they headed back to West Sussex with all three points.
Our trip to Woodside Road appeared to be following a different script when Appiah drew first blood on eight minutes but second-half strikes from Joel Colbran and Ruben Carvalho completed the comeback for the hosts.
The game kicks off at 15:00 and is segregated.
Worthing encourage visitors to travel to the ground by public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion and emissions. Parking is available on local streets but please check parking restrictions and respect our neighbours by blocking driveways.
All tickets will be available to purchase via the Worthing FC online ticketing system at the following prices:
All adults (18+): £22.00
Concessions: £18.00
Under 22 (19-21): £16.00
Under 19 (14-18): £9.00
Under 14 (7-13): £6.00
Under 7 (1-6): £1.00
Follow all of the action from the Sussex Transport Community Stadium on the club’s official social media channels, with live updates on both X and Instagram, available at @boreham_woodfc. Don’t forget to turn your notifications on!
Written by Jack Patmore.
