Worthing FC are more than just a one-hit wonder in the Boro’ history books. They are, in fact, a two-hit wonder! How about that? Our ill-fated 1987-8 Vauxhall Opel League Division 1 campaign is the only time we played them. Our 3-0 defeat at their place towards the back end of the season was very much a sign the writing on the wall for us. It was a whole world away from our two-goal victory at home in January 1988. The Rebels since graduated from the Isthmian League to reach the dizzying heights of National League South.
After forming in 1886, Worthing AFC – as they were called at the time – made do with friendlies to start with. The AFC bit, as it goes, got dropped in 1899. By this point, the Rebels were now playing in the West Sussex Football League – but we’re wrong to refer to them as the Rebels before 1920. It so goes that the club quit the league in 1920 over what is described as a point of principle. There was, apparently, a rule change they didn’t like.
Anyway, it’s a bit academic as the club went off to help form the Sussex County League that same year. Including the first season, the Rebels won eight titles between 1921 and 1939. Not long after World War Two, they decided to move to the Corinthian League. This was a much tougher proposition for them, however, and lowly positions were the norm for them. The Corinthian League disbanded in 1964 and, like many others, Worthing moved into the Athenian League.
Again, not much success was had.
In 1977, the Rebels moved into the Isthmian League and enjoyed a purple patch in the early 1980s; winning promotion from Division Two and Division One in successive seasons. Their time in the Premier Division came to an end in 1987, which brought them back down into Division One (obviously). Here, they’d come across us…
How to get to Worthing – Travel Information – Distance: 97 miles
By Road
The shortest route to Worthing takes you counter-clockwise around the M25; leaving at Junction 9 for the A24. After coming off the M25, take the third exit at the roundabout for the A243 for a mile. At the next roundabout, it’s the second exit (Leatherhead bypass).
In 1.4 miles, you’ll come to another roundabout. It’s the second exit you want again, this time for the A24. Now, you just want to stay on the A24 for some time and continue over so many roundabouts. It’s only when you meet the A27 in Worthing that you need to act.
At the roundabout with the A27, take the second exit for the A2031. Go over a junction with traffic lights and then one roundabout; at the second, however, take a left onto St Lawrence Avenue. Shortly after, there will be another small roundabout. Go right here.
Turn left onto Bulkington Avenue in 0.2 miles, and then turn right in another 0.2 miles.
Limited on-street parking is available around the ground. But the advice is to walk or use public transport. The former is probably not an option from Stevenage, to be honest.
By Rail
Station: WORTHING
Services to: LONDON WATERLOO
Come out of the station and turn right, before taking another right onto Cross Street and following the route of the railway. Turn right again over the level crossing, then it’s left for Pavilion Road.
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