Hartlepool vs Worthing
Worthing - Who Are Ya?
1886
Established
1983
Reach the FA Cup second round, the furthest they have ever got.
2000
Reach FA Cup first round, but lose 3-0 to Rotherham.
2013
Adam Hinshelwood becomes manager for the first time.
2022
First season in the National League South.
2023
Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Winner.
2026
National League South Champions.
History of the teams’ meetings
With Hartlepool’s time in the EFL, and Worthing’s long-standing stint in non-league, the two sides have never actually played against each other.
Fun Facts
Nicknamed the Monkey Hangers due to a 19th-century tale. Following the wreckage of a French ship, the sole survivor, a monkey, was put on trial and eventually found guilty as a French spy. As a result, they were sentenced to death by hanging, which has led to the term being embraced.
Of their last 12 seasons, Hartlepool have finished in the top 10 just twice, one of which was last season, showing they are on an upward trajectory.
Despite a 96-year tenure in the Football League, it was never plain sailing. They registered five consecutive applications for re-election, which led to them remaining.
Player Profiles - Hartlepool
Chris Popov
Popov was a brilliant goalscorer at youth level, spending time at Manchester United and Leicester City’s academies. He also represented Welsh youth teams on several occasions, most recently appearing last year.
After being released by Leicester, he made the move up north to Hartlepool. Popov has decent experience of the league from his time at Morecambe last year. He will be hoping to make use of this during his time with the Monkey Hangers.
Jamie Miley
A Newcastle United academy graduate, local lad Jamie Miley remains in the north east now as a regular for Hartlepool United.
Miley is also the brother of Lewis, who is a Magpies regular, having also progressed through their youth system.
Player Profiles - Worthing
Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
Known as ‘Razz’, De Graft began his footballing journey with stints at various academies including Crystal Palace and Fulham.
He can play in a variety of roles at the top end of the pitch, and found the back of the net 13 times last season. He’s brought this form from last year into the current campaign, as he found the back of the net in the club’s opening-day win at Carlisle.
Joel Colbran
Colbran is a long‑serving defender and current club captain at Worthing FC, having first come through the club’s U18s before returning in 2018 to establish himself as a mainstay in the back line.
He has since passed major milestones including 250, 300 and 350 appearances for the Rebels, earning multiple Manager’s Player of the Year awards along the way.
Known for his consistency, versatility and leadership, Colbran remains one of the club’s most reliable and influential figures.