Worthing have been urged to keep reeling off the clean sheets.

Because boss Adam Hinshelwood is confident they will score plenty of goals.

The Mackerel Men return to action at home to Bishop’s Stortford today in what looks like being a very tight race for honours in Isthmian League premier division.

It is two weeks now since Worthing’s last outing, which saw them survive a few scares against Corinthian-Casuals before winning with a last-minute Mo Diallo spot kick.

Worthing boss Hinshelwood said: “We have gone two-and-a-half games now with clean sheets and I wanted us to be better defensively.

“We have got the players who will always get you a goal at the other end.

“In the last game we had a minute’s applause for (club stalwart) Steve Hoare and it was quite emotional.

“It took us 20 minutes to get going.

“Then we were strong at the end and got a penalty.”

Worthing have not played since then, which has made it hard to maintain momentum but has allowed several players to get over injuries.

By contrast, Bognor have made the most of a busy schedule of late and could go top tomorrow.

Rooks coach Robbie Blake has enjoyed the “fearless” way his side have got the ball down and played.

He said: “It’s early days in terms of the league table and I know we have played more games than some around us.

“But we would rather be where we are than at the other end of the table so it’s all hugely positive.”

Danny Bloor expects Eastbourne Borough to bounce back from an FA Cup shock.

They lost at home to Horsham in a midweek replay.

Sports go to Maidstone in National League south.

Boss Bloor said: “In our last league game we beat Braintree 6-0. Let’s get things into perspective.

“It’s our first defeat since August 30, when we lost at Dartford, so no doom and gloom. We look forward to going to Maidstone.”

Horsham will sell tickets for next Saturday's fourth qualifying round tie at home to Woking following today's league fixture versus Potters Bar.

TODAY'S FIXTURES

National League south: Maidstone v Eastbourne Borough.

Pitching In Isthmian League premier: Cheshunt v Bognor, Horsham v Potters Bar, Margate v Lewes, Worthing v Bishop’s Stortford.

FA Trophy, 2nd rd qualifying: Burgess Hill v Sevenoaks, Chichester v Great Wakering, East Grinstead v Waltham Abbey, Hastings v Ashford Town, Northwood v Haywards Heath, Staines v Three Bridges, Witham v Lancing.

Southern Combination, premier: AFC Uckfield v East Preston, Eastbourne Town v Broadbridge Heath, Hassocks v Varndean, Horsham YMCA v Eastbourne United, Little Common v Alfold, Littlehampton Town v Crawley Down Gatwick, Loxwood v Bexhill Utd, Newhaven v Lingfield, Peacehaven v Pagham, Steyning v Saltdean.

Division one: Forest Row v Billingshurst, Godalming v Shoreham, Hailsham v Arundel, Montpelier v Dorking Wands Res, Roffey v Midhurst, Selsey v Mile Oak, Storrington v Oakwood, Wick v Seaford, Worthing Utd v Epsom and E.