Striker Omar Bugiel fired the Rebels into an early lead within the first 30 seconds following a cross from Ben Pope, before Brannon O’Neill made it two from the penalty spot.

Will Hendon conceded a penalty at the other end moments later, but goalkeeper Rikki Banks made an excellent save to deny Andrew Mensah.

Despite being dominant in the first half Worthing were unable to add to their lead, and they held out for a comfortable two-goal win with the visitors offering very little offensively.

Joint-managers Gary Elphick and Jon Meeney made a number of changes to the side that was beaten away at Corinthian-Casuals on Saturday.

Full-backs Will Hendon (suspension) and Steve Metcalf (concussion) returned to the side with Matt Axell, who started alongside new signing Liam Kimber in midfield.

The match, held at Bognor’s Nyewood Lane, got off to a frantic start with the ‘home’ side taking the lead within 30 seconds.

Starting Ben Pope on the right wing proved an inspired decision as the Worthing forward crossed to Bugiel who took one touch before firing in the opener.

The Rebels could have been two goals up within ten minutes, but O’Neill curled wide while Walton & Hersham goalkeeper Luke Badiali saved from Bugiel.

In the 11th minute Worthing did double their advantage as Lloyd Dawes was felled in the penalty area by Shannon Wallace and O’Neill converted the spot-kick.

Within moments Hendon had clipped Aaron Watson at the other end though to gift the Swans a glorious opportunity to immediately hit back.

Mensah found Worthing goalkeeper Banks in fine form though, with the former Lewes shot-stopper diving low to his left to keep the penalty out.

Bugiel and Dawes both came close again for the Rebels in a first half that was dominated by the men in red shirts.

The closest the visitors came to pulling a goal back was a speculative 25-yard attempt from Kadeem Ajeom which was comfortably held by Banks.

On Saturday chances were infrequent in the second half as Corinthian-Casuals shut up shop and held onto their 2-0 advantage, and this time it was Worthing’s turn to do the same.

Damage to a corner flag, for which Pope was booked, delayed proceedings in the second half as a replacement needed to be found.

Dawes nearly added a third in the 68th minute, but his close range effort was saved after a Bugiel through ball, while Metcalf blazed over from 20-yards following a corner.

Banks still had to be on his toes with ten minutes to go as a he tipped over a wayward cross from Mensah that looked set to dip under his crossbar.

Pope, who moved into a more central attacking role near the end, then forced Badiali into a sharp save following good work by Ebbsfleet loanee Casey Johnson, on as a substitute.

Worthing were unlucky not to have a penalty in stoppage time as Dominic Ogun appeared to handle in a tussle with Johnson, before the Swans defender blocked a powerful Pope strike.

Overall 2-0 was a fair representation of the match, and the Rebels will be delighted with the three points which move them up to 13th in the Ryman Division One South table.

Worthing: Banks, Hendon, Metcalf (c), Axell, Elphick (Hurley 86’), Heath, Dawes (Morey 72’), O’Neill, Bugiel (Johnson 77’), Kimber, Pope.

Subs Not Used: Fagan, Piper.

Goals: Bugiel 1’, O’Neill 11’.

Bookings: O’Neill 56’, Pope 60’.

Walton & Hersham: Badiali, Oyenuga, Mendes, Ogun, Wallace, Mills (c), Battie, Ajeon (Hibbert 66’), Mensah, Powponne, Watson.

Subs Not Used: Williams-Agunabor, Fallon.

Bookings: Powponne 43’.

Attendance: 105

Report by Sam Skilton. Photo by official club photographer Studio IV.