Adam Hinshelwood’s side secured elevation courtesy of winning the league and they were swiftly followed by the Urchins a few weeks later as they conquered Torquay United in the play-off final.
For both teams, the first-ever experience at this level has started in commendable fashion, as they have acquitted themselves against some of the league’s strongest outfits during the opening month of the campaign.
While sitting in 16th, Worthing have picked up results against the odds – including an opening day 3-2 victory away to Carlisle United and recently recording mportant points against former League Two side Barrow AFC and National League North Champions AFC Fylde.
Meanwhile, Hornchurch have won four of their first seven matches, defeating the likes of Barrow, Kidderminster Harriers and Boston United, but have been overcome in their last two outings against Forest Green Rovers and FC Halifax Town.
A duel between two foes that share a lot of commonalties in terms of their journey and progression over the last decade, tonight’s clash has all the ingredients for an enticing encounter.
Team News
Harrison Foulkes, Noor Husin, Tyrique Clarke and Matt Burgess remain sidelined, although the latter has returned to first-team training after a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury.
George Cox and Bailey Smith will be eased back into action following a prolonged period of recovery, but the pair have also participated in unrestricted training.
The Opposition
National League South Play-Off winners Hornchurch have carried the momentum of last season’s success into their inaugural campaign in the fifth tier.
Four victories ofrom their first five games quickly saw them emerge as one of the early pace setters in Non-League’s top level, as they overcame Kidderminster Harriers, Barrow AFC, Woking and Boston United, with a comprehensive defeat away to Carlisle United the only blemish on their record up until recent events.
Tonight, the Urchins are looking to arrest a slide in form in their league exploits which has seen them beaten by Forest Green Rovers and FC Halifax Town, without scoring a goal themselves.
Considering their meteoric rise through the pyramid over the last three years, Hornchurch can be immensely proud of how they have performed in their debut year in the National League.
Winning the Isthmian Premier Division title as recently as 2024, two promotions in three seasons has culminated in Daryl McMahon’s competing alongside some huge clubs with rich histories.
The Gaffer
After preparing Hornchurch for a strong start to life in the fifth tier, Daryl McMahon’s stock continues to rise as a manager.
Ending his playing career at Ebbsfleet United, McMahon’s two-year stay at Stonebridge Road would set about his transition from playing to coaching, initially taking charge on a caretaker basis before assuming the role permanently in 2015.
The former Republic of Ireland Youth international guided the Fleet to promotion to the fifth tier through the play-offs in 2017.
After leaving the club by mutual consent in 2018 following National League play-off semi-final defeat to Tranmere Rovers, McMahon joined League Two side Macclesfield Town, however the club’s financial turmoil meant his stay with the Silkmen would only four months.
Immediately after leaving the now-reformed Macclesfield, McMahon moved back down South to manage Hornchurch’s local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge. Through his first two seasons at Victoria Road, McMahon guided the Daggers from 18th in the National League to within one point of the play-offs in 2021/22. However, he would not last another full season at the helm as Dagenham would go on to part ways with the manager in February 2023.
Joining Hornchurch in the summer of 2024, McMahon has steadily improved the side hailing from the east portion of the capital. A 10th place finish in his first season, was followed up by ending the next season as runners-up to Worthing prior to winning the play-offs. The trust and synergy between the board and McMahon is stronger than ever, with the Irishman proving his worth and security in the opening stages of the campaign.
Before racking up over 350 appearances in his career, Dublin-born McMahon began his playing days as a trainee in the famed West Ham United academy. The midfielder went on to feature for the likes of Port Vale and Leyton Orient, before delving into Non-League with stints at Stevenage Borough, Farnborough and Ebbsfleet United.
One to Watch
A defender by nature, full-back Joe Kizzi’s start to life as a Urchin has been highly productive, with his attacking output in particular cause for concern for the Rebels.
Dropping down from the EFL with Barnet to sign for Hornchurch in the summer, the experienced 33-year-old has completed the entirety of all seven National League matches so far, while also featuring in both National League Cup group games.
Regardless of what the narrative of Kizzi’s spell in East London ends up looking like following his departure, the Englishman will always have the honour of being Hornchurch’s first-ever scorer in the fifth tier in August’s 3-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers.
The following weekend, the former Sutton United and Bromley man produced a very early contender for Goal of the Season, with a unstoppable long-range half-volley in the win over Barrow that almost ripped the net off.
🏆 National League Lowdown’s August Goal of the Month is…
Hornchurch’s Joe Kizzi who produced this rocket away to Barrow during a victory last month. A very difficult one to decide on as there were some belters.
Congratulations @JoeKizzi22 🙌🏻 #HornchurchFC🔴 pic.twitter.com/GEIkHumH8B
— National League Lowdown (@NLLowdown) September 11, 2026
Kizzi etched his name on the scoresheet for a third successive match in the 4-1 defeat to Carlisle, while also bagging in the National League Cup versus Ipswich Town U21s.
A valuable leader in the Hornchurch ranks, over a century of appearances in League Two demonstrates his footballing wisdom.
League Form Guide
Worthing FC | W2 D2 L3 GD: -1 | Pos: 16th
League Form: DDLLW
MD3: Worthing FC 1-0 Wealdstone | Scorer: Ramell Carter
MD4: Tamworth 3-2 Worthing FC | Scorers: Jack Wadham & Jose Marquez
MD5: Worthing FC 2-3 Boreham Wood | Scorer: Razzaq Coleman De-Graft x2
MD6: AFC Fylde 2-2 Worthing FC | Scorer: Jose Marquez & Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
MD7: Worthing FC 2-2 Barrow AFC | Scorer: Dom Hutchinson x2
Hornchurch FC | W4 D0 L3 GD:-1 | Pos: 8th
League Form: LLWWL
MD3: Carlisle United 4-1 Hornchurch FC | Scorers: Joe Kizzi
MD4: Hornchurch FC 1-0 Woking FC | Scorers: Aaron Rowe
MD5: Boston United 2-3 Hornchurch FC | Scorers: Jake Rooney (O.G), Aaron Rowe, Bobby Kelman
MD6: Hornchurch FC 0-1 Forest Green Rovers
MD7: FC Halifax Town 3-0 Hornchurch FC
Previous Woodside Meeting
Worthing FC 5-0 Hornchurch | 29th November 2025 | National League South
Last time the two sides battled it out at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, the Reds ran riot over a 10-player Hornchurch as they ruthlessly dispatched of their title rivals in a 5-0 mauling.
Brad Dolaghan recorded a brace either side of a Razzaq Coleman De-Graft free-kick, while Toby Byron and Nathan Odokonyero also found the net.
View from the Camp – Adam Hinshelwood
“They have added some experience and know-how to an already experienced squad, which is proven in how they have started. They’ve kept the momentum from last season and retained the same nucleus from the promotion-winning side, so they’ll be buoyant with their start, and we’re looking forward to taking them on again.”
Tickets
Tickets are still available to purchase for the visit of Hornchurch and are able to be purchased online through the FanBase app/website and on the turnstiles.
However, supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment of missing out and to minimise the disruption when entering the ground. The Club can never guarantee the availability of tickets at the turnstiles in the event of a sell-out. Buy your tickets here: Worthing FC vs Hornchurch Tickets
Segregation will be in place for this match. Away supporters will be housed in the North East corner of the stadium, with food and drink refreshments available, including vegetarian options.
Both Worthing FC and Hornchurch supporters can purchase their tickets online via Fanbase.
Please note as part of a newly-introduced league rule, children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult, otherwise they will be refused entry. Refunds are awarded at the Club’s discretion.
Pricing
Prices
Adults – £22.00
Concessions – £18.00
U22 – £16.00
U19 – £9.00
U14 – £6.00
U7 – £1.00
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official Twitter account.
Or if you prefer, you can watch Behind- the-Scenes footage over on our Instagram account.
You can also listen to live commentary through the club’s official commentary service, sponsored by the Worthing FC Supporters Association.
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗