Worthing boss Hinshelwood eager for return of star midfielder

After picking up consecutive red cards in games against Bishop’s Stortford and Cray Wanderers back in February, Starkey received a five-match suspension, which will come to an end after this weekend.

Although admitting he’s missed the 24-year-old, Hinshelwood insists he’s been impressed with how other players have stepped up in his place.

The Worthing manager said: “He showed in his performance against Brighton just how much of a class player he is and anyone’s going to miss a player with that ability in their side at our level.

“He’s been a big miss but other players have been given the opportunity and taken it.

“Him and Ricky (Aguiar) at the centre of the park have really established themselves as big players for us this season and have a good relationship in the side together.

“He’s a top player for this level and anyone would miss someone of that calibre and that ilk so yeah it would be a big boost for us in the run in to have Jesse back.”

Speaking about last week’s Sussex Senior Cup semi-final extra-time defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, Hinshelwood said: “The result was disappointing but performance wise, I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of the game.

“I feel we should have taken one or two of our chances that we had first half so we came in to the second half with a lead, which might have settled everyone down a little bit.

“Supporters left proud of the effort that the team showed and it’s important that we show that in our remaining games.”

Saturday’s opponents, seventh-placed Enfield Town, are unbeaten in their last five games.

Hinshelwood said: “We know it’s always a tough place to go and they’ve got a good, experienced side but we’ll go there with confidence because we’re hopefully on the start of a good run.”