BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Worthing

We asked supporters of our BetVictor Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Next up, we have a newbie! Worthing fan Peter Vale only turned to Non League last season, and was soon so wrapped up in all things Worthing that he joined the Supporters Association and is now on their committee. We all know how that can happen! Here are Peter’s thoughts:

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

It has to be the 9-1 home win against Harlow Town, and Ollie Pearce scoring 4 goals in the game. Jesse Starkey also scored a top bins goal, it’s on Worthing F.C's YouTube channel and well worth a watch! It was also painful as I partake in ‘sponsor a goal’ so each goal we score costs me one pound.

2. And your worst moment?

The Penultimate game of the season against Corinthian-Casuals. If we had won then a play-off place was in our hands, we were awarded a penalty early in the 2nd half with the score at 0-0 and David Ajiboye missed! I still have the video on my phone (although I’ve not watched it since),. We came away with a 1-1 draw which effectively killed the dream, as we had to rely on other results including Bognor doing us a favour which wasn't going to happen. But it was well done to Merstham who on a windy final day who went 3-0 up after 7 minutes to seal our fate and grab the play off place. The game ended 4-2.

3. How will you do this season?

I am very optimistic about the new season, Adam Hinshelwood has assembled a young squad with some exciting talent. Ricky Aguilar is a young midfielder who will progress even more this season with the experience he gained last term. I fully expect Jasper Pattenden to be more involved this season- another young exciting talent. The return to the club of Reece Meekums and Lloyd Dawes has been a great coup and adds plenty of experience to a young team, and I’m looking forward to seeing Joe Tennent and Mason Doughty in action for the Rebels. I believe we should be challenging for the play offs again.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

It has to be Bognor Regis Town- our arch rivals and we have them 5th game of the season on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Last year over 1,800 attended the fixture. We haven't had a victory against them in a long time so it would be nice to buck that trend. I am also looking forward to going to Haringey Borough, the only team that play at White Hart Lane, so their fans told me when they visited last season! They were a great bunch and I enjoyed sharing a beer with them after the game. See you the 30th November Thomas Owen!

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I am going to say Folkestone Invicta. I like the steep steps behind the goal which give a great view of the action. I have to throw Wingate and Finchley in as well, with the retro stand they have which really is worth a mention and a visit.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

I think I may have mentioned them already! Bognor Regis Town are just 20 miles from us, and I would rather be a Rebel than a Rock! We also stole the annual Birdman competition off them, and we have just won Pier of the year 2019 so they may be a bit bitter!

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Being part of the Worthing Supporters Association committee, next season we will be identifiable as we will be wearing lanyards before the match. We are all a friendly bunch, so just approach us if you need any assistance. After the game the Away Boys always hang around for a drink in the bar- feel free to join us and have a chat about the game, win or lose.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?
We had a young lad called Kwame Poku from January last season and I was mesmerized watching him play. An absolute talent, unfortunately he has been snapped up by Colchester United. I am sure the boy is going to go on to bigger and better things. “He nutmegs one and he skips past two- Kwame Poku!” Our little song for him, perhaps about to be heard in Essex.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Bishops Stortford, Haringey Borough, Carshalton Athletic, East Thurrock United, Kingstonian

Right, you've read Peter's thoughts, do you want to be next? If you'd like to represent your club, then please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!