Rebels knocked out in thriller

They were keeper Will Martin, defenders Enzo Benn and Harry Constable, midfielder Lee Eastman and striker Jonno Melia.

But Rebels got off to the worst possible start and were 2-0 down in 10 minutes through an Andy Lutwyche own goal and John Neal strike.

Steve Lloyd made it 3-0 on 54 minutes before Worthing started to fight back.

Melia, from Jamie Brotherton's cross, made it 3-1 (61 mins), before Dean Lovegrove had a penalty saved by Whistable keeper Kevin Fewell.

Andy Alexander (79 mins) made it 3-2 but Whitstable sealed their win in the second minute of injury-time through Andy Constable.

There was still time for Matt Phelan to score an excellent individual goal but Rebels did not have time for an equaliser.

Worthing joint-manager Danny Bloor said: "Despite conceding four goals, we should have won the game. We missed a penalty and hit the bar.

"All of the debutants did some good things and some not so good things. Harry Constable impressed, although he needs to work on his match fitness."

WORTHING: Martin; Benn, Alexander, Lutwyche, Constable; Akehurst, Lovegrove, Day, Cobbs; Melia, Brotherton. Subs: Eastman (Cobbs 45), Phelan (Akehurst 59), Andrews.