Match Preview

Worthing joint-manager Jon Meeney is expecting an immediate reaction from his side against Walton & Hersham tonight following their opening day defeat.

Rebels were beaten at the first hurdle on Saturday as they started their new Ryman Division One South campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Corinthian-Casuals.

But Meeney believes that his players are more than capable of overcoming tonight’s Surrey-based opponents, who beat Whitstable Town 4-1 at the weekend.

“Trust me, it’ll be a completely different performance, and if it’s a different performance we will get the result – it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“What I’m looking for is a mentality change. On Wednesday we will grab that game by the scruff of the neck.

“We’ll be doing all we can to impose what we’re good at and really get at Walton & Hersham. If we do that with the right attitude and application we will win the game.”

Tonight’s game will take place at Bognor’s Nyewood Lane after a miscommunication with the contractors who installed the new 3G pitch.

O’Brien Contractors were unable to produce the required FIFA test certificates in time ahead of the Ryman League deadline of Friday 7th August.

“We did everything within our control to get the game played, including trying to reverse the fixture, but unfortunately to no avail,” said club chairman George Dowell.

“Obviously we are all extremely disappointed with this outcome and feel it as much as you, the fans.

“Although not ideal, Bognor Regis Town have kindly stepped forward and offered us the use of their pitch.”

Ahead of the game Meeney was hopeful that defender Steve Metcalf may have recovered from the concussion he suffered against Arundel, but didn’t want to take any risks.

“I have a duty as not only his manager, but also his carer,” he said. “I will not put his life at risk. People might think that’s over-exaggerating, but it’s not.

“He had a head injury, and I will take (the decision) out of his hands. You’re looking at 7-10 days and sometimes a little bit longer.

“We will make the decision with Steve, because I want a fit and healthy Steve Metcalf and I wouldn’t want to jeopardise anything regarding him. His health and safety comes first.”

In other team news Will Hendon will be available for selection again having missed out on Saturday through suspension, while Harvey Sparks is away on holiday.

Tony Nwachukwu (stomach) is still sidelined, but Lloyd Dawes could return after picking up a knock ahead of the defeat against Corinthian-Casuals.

Meeney said: “With Lloyd Dawes in the team it gives us a different dimension. He can produce certain moments of quality that can unlock the opponents.

“But we’ve got 45 games left and I want Lloyd Dawes, if possible, to be playing the majority of those 45 games when fit and healthy.

“We’ll manage him and he could be available on Wednesday. If not we’ll look upon other players that can come in and do a job.”

Meeney also revealed that a season-long loan deal for Casey Johnson is now done and that the Ebbsfleet forward will be available to play against Walton & Hersham.

“Unfortunately, as happens sometimes, there was a bit of a miscommunication regarding paperwork,” he said.

“He’s not our player – we’ve got to respect Ebbsfleet and sometimes these deals take time – but we’re in control of the situation.

“He’ll definitely add fresh impetus to us if he starts, or if he comes on. He’ll give us a different dynamic which is what we want, and hopefully he can give us that momentum again.”

Walton & Hersham are expected to provide a tough test for the Rebels having hit four against Whitstable Town on Saturday.

Forwards Andrew Mensah and Myles Powponne will likely provide the biggest threat going forward as each scored twice on the opening day of the season.

Kick-off for Wednesday’s game is at 7:45pm with admission costing £8.00 for adults, £6.00 for concessions and £3.00 for 12-16 year olds with under-12s free. Season tickets apply.

Worthing possible squad from: Rikki Banks, Jack Fagan, Matt Piper, Will Hendon, Matt Hurley, Gary Elphick, Corey Heath, Steve Metcalf, Jazz Rance, Matt Axell, Brannon O’Neill, Ryan Quirke, Harry Smith, Jack Barnes, Mark Goldson, Ryan Morey, Lloyd Dawes, Omar Bugiel, Casey Johnson, Ben Pope.

Walton & Hersham possible squad from: Luke Badali, John Oyenuga, Regan Mendes, Dominic Ogun, C-J Williams-Agunabor, Harry Mills, Jack Battie, Kadeem Ajeon, André Scarlett, Andrew Mensah, Shaquille McIntosh, Myles Powponne, Omari Hibbert, Aaron Watson, Sean Fallon.

[i]Preview by reporter Sam Skilton.