Worthing narrowly edged out Horsham 2-1 in an entertaining Division One South derby despite the dreadful surface at Woodside Road.

Rebels had the best of the opening exchanges with Ben Carrington on his return from injury looking particularly effective down the right flank. He created the first chance in the eighth minute when he stabbed a left foot shot past the post following a Wes Lopez corner.

Horsham, however, eventually found their feet and began to look dangerous. After 19 minutes Gavin Geddes exchanged passes with David Flemming before crashing a fierce, 20-yard drive onto the crossbar from 22 yards. Six minutes later Geddes laid the ball onto the advancing James Grant who poked a 20-yarder past the right post.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock after 33 minutes. Andy Walker was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and Horsham neglected to put a man on the line, leaving a gaping hole for Lopez to exploit with a simple lob over the wall.

Horsham remained profligate up front with Flemming flashing over from 12 yards after Grant's shot had been deflected into his path. However, the equaliser eventually came moments before the interval.

An interchange between Gary Charman and Flemming resulted in the winger cut the ball back into the path of Mark Aylett, making his first start for the Hornets, and the former Hastings man crashed the ball past Matthew May into the right corner.

The second-half started at an equally lively pace. A brilliant turn and shot from Mark Knee saw the ball rebound off the bar whilst only good defensive work from Andy Alexander denied Flemming at the far post three minutes later.

Geddes had a strike ruled out for offside in the 78th minute before the Rebels wrapped up the points two minutes later.

A free-kick caused havoc in Horsham's box and one attempt had already been cleared before Knee picked up the rebound and swept the ball home past two defenders on the line.

Worthing boss Barry Lloyd was delighted with his team's showing. He said: "We got what we deserved because we worked at it more. We played some nice football again and reaped the rewards. In previous games we have played some nice football but got nothing so it's a pleasing result."

Horsham boss John Maggs felt his side were hard done by. He said: "We had the better chances and again two set pieces cost us. I don't think Worthing were a particularly good side on the day.

"They have been through a torrid patch recently and now it's our turn. We're lacking a lot of confidence and have to work our way out of it. We're desperate for a win."