Rebels ready for a massive month

Callum Overton netted Rebels third in their win at Walton and Hersham on Tuesday

Rebels moved into the Ryman League South Division play-off places with victory at Walton & Hersham on Tuesday, although South Park would have climbed back into the top five with a win, when they played their game in hand last night.

The win at Walton was Worthing’s sixth in seven league games, ahead of five home league matches next month.

Elphick admits that he wants Rebels to continue to go under the radar and said: “We’re in fantastic form and, with the budget we have got, it’s testament to the lads.

“We’re going in the right direction but we’ve got to continue to take each game as it comes as nothing is decided until May.

“Hopefully, we can continue to go under the radar and keep winning games as everything is good at the club at the moment.

“We’ve got five home league games coming up, so November is going to be a massive month and, if we do well in them, it’s going to say ‘Worthing are here’.”

Rebels fell behind after nine minutes at Walton when Jack Battie’s shot went in via a couple of deflections, after Worthing had lost possession on the edge of the area.

Lloyd Dawes levelled with a superb header from Brannon O’Neill’s corner on 19 minutes, before Dawes raced on to a long ball forward and dinked home to give Rebels the lead five minutes before half-time.

Callum Overton drilled home a 25-yarder, which left the Walton keeper rooted to his spot, to seal the points for Worthing midway through the second half.

Rebels had chances to extend their lead in the second period as they comfortably held on for the three points and beat Walton & Hersham for the third time this season.

On the win, Rebels’ seventh in nine away league games this season, Elphick said: “It was a difficult pitch to play on, really bobbly, so we did have to adapt our game.

“We did have to go for the long ball, so it wasn’t always pretty but you couldn’t argue with the performance.”

Before a busy month league-wise, Worthing entertain division-higher Leiston in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.

Elphick said: “I played against them last year and I would think they’ll be similar to St Neots, in that they’ll be direct, physical and strong.

“It’s a free shot for us, though. There isn’t any pressure on us as they are expected to win the game.

“Although the league is our bread and butter, it’s always good to get on a cup run as the money is handy for the club.”

Matt Axell (hernia) and Zack Newton (groin) are injury doubts, while Rebels hope to have Tony Nwachukwu back available after a stomach strain in December. Keeper Jack Fagan has returned to Worthing from his loan spell at Chichester.

Providing there is no FA Trophy replay, Rebels will host Corinthian Casuals in the league on Tuesday.

WORTHING: Banks; Hendon, Elphick, Heath, Metcalf; Newton, Bugiel, O’Neill, Overton; Pope, Dawes. Subs: Sparks (Newton 15), Piper (Pope 73), Barnes (Overton 88), Quirke, Fagan.

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