Worthing dramatically won their Play-Off Semi-Final as Ollie Pearce bagged a brace, including an 89th-minute winner, to beat Maidstone United.
The Rebels started the contest as the brighter of the two teams and were rewarded for their efforts midway through the first half when they were awarded a penalty after Brad Dolaghan was fouled in the box. The league’s top scorer Pearce stepped up from 12 yards and sent Rebel Lucas Covolan the wrong way to give his side the advantage.
The Stones’ response to going behind was a good one, though, and they found the leveller before the break. Matt Bentley bundled in after Worthing failed to clear following a scramble in the box, and the sides were level going into the break.
It was back to the wall for much of the second half for the Rebels and they were inches away from falling behind at the death when Matt Rush struck the bar from point-blank range. The Rebels went straight up the other end and Ollie Pearce found the back of the net after dancing past defenders and firing in at the near post to send the packed-out Sussex Transport Community Stadium into raptures.
The win has set up a Promotion Final date with Braintree Town, the only side to have kept two clean sheets against Worthing this season, and the only side to do the double against the Rebels.
The Opposition
Despite a defeat against Eastbourne Borough on the final day, Braintree finished the season strongly to secure a 5th place finish in the National League South. In 22 league matches since the turn of the year, the Iron lost just three and won 14 to ensure their place in the Play-Offs, and a home tie in the Eliminator.
That, they won against Bath City, with Tom Blackwell’s winner late in extra time setting up a trip to local rivals Chelmsford City in the Semi-Final. After playing another 120 minutes of football, the Iron booked their place in the final with a dramatic 3-2 win over the Clarets which now sets up a highly anticipated Promotion Final with the Rebels.
Last Six
27/4 – Chelmsford City (A) – Won 2-3 AET – Play-Off Semi-Final
23/4 – Bath City (H) – Won 1-0 AET – Play-Off Eliminator
20/4 – Eastbourne Borough (H) – Lost 2-3
13/4 – Havant & Waterlooville (A) – Won 1-2
9/4 – Taunton Town (H) – Drew 0-0
6/4 – Weston-super-Mare (A) – Won 0-1
Meet the Opposition
Previous Meetings
As previously mentioned Braintree were the only side this season to do the double over Worthing. They won 4-0 in the fixture at Cressing Road and followed that up with a 1-0 victory at Woodside Road back in February.
The sides met in the Play-Offs last season, with Worthing hosting Braintree in the Play-Off Eliminator. An early goal from Davide Rodari and an own goal in the second half from goalkeeper Jack Simms meant Worthing advanced to the Semi-Finals last year with a 2-1 win.
We’ve got Previous
Team News
Interim Manager Aarran Racine has again confirmed that he has a fully fit squad to choose from for Monday’s Promotion Final. Racine confirmed, “everyone’s fit and ready to go,” in his pre-match interview.
Supporter Information
There will again be additional food and drink outlets at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium this Monday to ensure supporters have the best possible matchday experience with a sell-out crowd in attendance. Take a look at the map below for a visual guide on where to find these amenities.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind supporters that all tickets have now sold out for the match. If you do not have a ticket, please do not travel as you will not be permitted into the ground without one.
Parking
The ground is situated in the heart of a residential area and parking is severely restricted on match days. We ask supporters to travel together and use public transport where possible. If traveling by car please respect our neighbors by parking considerately.
How to Follow
If you can’t make the game you can follow the game via the club’s official Twitter accountor through live commentary provided by rebelyell.live.
The match will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and available to stream worldwide on Discovery+. For more information, please visit – https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/video/sport/tnt-sports-uhd/worthing-braintree-town?tab=details
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