Sam Francis returns to a depleted Worthing squad for tonight's Sussex Senior Cup semi-final against his former club Lewes.

The striker is back with the Rebels after spending three months in Australia and is likely to feature at some stage.

Francis caused Lewes a number of problems in last year's semi-final between the same teams which the Rooks won 3-1 in extra-time.

However, he rejoins a squad missing Danny Davis (knee injury), Andy Alexander (calf), Leo Day, Dominic Douglas (both cup-tied) and James Fraser, who is unavailable due to English Schools' under-18s commitments.

Stuart Axten is hoping to return from a back problem, youngster Karly Akehurst is likely to come into contention while Worthing may have to call in one or two players who do not normally play for them, possibly even former Crawley captain Peter Fear who is dual-registered with Sutton.

Manager Danny Bloor said: "Lewes are odds-on favourites to beat us but funny things can happen in cup football. If we work hard, you never know."

Bloor has ruled out the prospect of veteran striker Steve Claridge returning to Worthing for this match.

Holders Lewes hope to include former Queens Park Rangers left-back Matthew Hislop.

The 20-year-old was due to make his debut against Salisbury last Friday but the paperwork on his signature arrived with the league a minute after their 24-hour deadline.

Steve Robinson returns from suspension but midfielder Gary Holloway begins a two-match ban while defenders Lewis Hamilton and Matt McEntegart continue to be missing through injury.

Manager Steven King said: "On paper we should have more than them but semi-finals are one-off games.

"I would love to get through to the final again, especially as it would be against Brighton Reserves. That would be a win, win situation going up against a pro side."

Worthing coach Paul Rogers scored twice for Pease Pottage as they beat Rustington 6-3 in Monday's Sussex Intermediate Cup semi-final at Shoreham.

Rogers has dual-signed for Pottage, where former Albion No. 2 Bob Booker is currently helping out. Jack McNab (two), Alex Keaney and Chamal Fenelon also scored for Pottage.