Horsham 1, Worthing 1.

Worthing's premier division life was left hanging by a thread last night - but they still refused to throw in the towel.

This Sussex derby draw, which saw John Westcott cancel out an early Sam Francis opener for the visitors, left Rebels seven points off a position of guaranteed survival.

The final three fixtures are against fellow strugglers, at home to Harrow and Hendon before a visit to Ashford.

Rebels coach Paul Rogers said: "We need snookers to stay up.

"We've got to keep going. There are nine points still to play for and you never know. We don't want any regrets.

"The boys did all right in spells tonight and it's not a bad result but it's not good enough for what we need."

Hornets assistant manager Tommy Warrilow admitted the result had ended any lingering chance of his side being in the play-off mix.

He said: "We faced a team fighting for their lives and we had seven out injured. In the circumstances, it was a decent result. We stopped the rot after two defeats."

Rebels proved survival was more an incentive than an outside chance of the play-offs as they took an early grip.

The injury-ravaged hosts showed eight changes to the starting line-up published in the programme. They also knew that defeat would effectively end any hope of a top five spot.

As it is, the draw means they have an almost impossible goal difference disadvantage to overcome against fifth-placed AFC Wimbledon, assuming the Londoners fail to get another point.

Rebels were quickly into their rhythm and Omari Coleman narrowly missed a low Mark Knee cross following a swift break after just four minutes.

Two minutes later, Francis scored his first goal in his fourth appearance since returning from a three-month trip to Australia.

His 30-yard rising drive sailed over Horsham goalkeeper Alan Mansfield into the top corner.

Coleman's strike partner Ben Andrews forced a save from Mansfield on 11 minutes but the momentum slowly turned Horsham's way.

The lively Westcott provided their main threat with some incisive crosses and the former Albion winger earned his reward when his 25-yard free-kick beat goalkeeper Rikki Banks for the equaliser five minutes before the interval.

A bobbly pitch did little to enhance either side's passing game and the referee's frequent use of the whistle interrupted the flow while irritating each dugout and much of the crowd.

Bloor implored his players: "Let's get going." And they did - but only in patches.

Knee worked tirelessly and provided much of Rebels' spark but there was little cohesion among his midfield colleagues.

Second-half chances were few and far between.

Hornets' only attempt at goal was a Kevin Cooper free-kick from the edge of the area which was blocked.

And then Rebels swarmed forward in a desperate bid to bag the three points they so desperately needed in a dramatic final three minutes.

A plea for a penalty after Knee hit the ground was ignored.

Then Coleman had a close- range effort saved by Mansfield who also denied substitute James Fraser.

Horsham: Mansfield; Baxter, Geard (sub Cooper 78), French, Howard, Graves, Walker, Westcott, Wright, Rook, Graham. Subs not used: Johnson, Saxby, Rupert, Williams.

Worthing: Banks; Keehan, Simpson, Lawrence, Axten, Lutwyche, Francis (sub Lawley 54), Day (sub Fraser 54), Coleman, Andrews (sub Alexander 83), Knee. Subs not used: Brotherton, Hunter.

Referee: S Child.

Man-of-the-match: Mark Knee (Worthing) Attendance: 377.