Worthing United to return to action on September 5 in all-ticket game

WORTHING United Football Club will play their first game since the tragic deaths of players Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt when they play East Preston in the FA Vase next Sunday, September 5, kick-off 5pm.
Jacob Schilt (left) and Matt GrimstoneJacob Schilt (left) and Matt Grimstone
Jacob Schilt (left) and Matt Grimstone

The Mavericks were due to play the tie on the Saturday of that weekend, but have switched it to the Sunday evening to allow the Sussex football family to attend and pay their respects to both men.

The club are expecting a large, and probable sell-out crowd at Lyons Way as family, friends, colleagues and well wishers pay their respects to two much-loved young men - and as a result the match will be all-ticket.

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United manager Nigel Geary said: “It’s been difficult to think about football at all this week, but having discussed this at length with the players and others at the club, this feels like the right thing for us to do.

“With this in mind we felt it only right to move the game to the Sunday evening to enable many of the footballers who played with or against Matt and Jacob, on Saturdays and Sundays, to attend the game.”

The club has been assisted by Brighton & Hove Albion’s safety and stewarding team in staging the match, and Albion will also assist with sales of tickets via the club’s website.

United vice-chairman Mark Sanderson added: “Everyone at the club feels that both Matt and Jacob would be in support of this, and we will aim to do them proud.

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“We have been helped by so many within the football family in order to stage this game, which was always going to be of significant interest to many local people; it will undoubtedly be the biggest game in the club’s history, sadly for such tragic reasons.

“East Preston and the FA have been very kind in allowing us to change the kick-off to the Sunday, and we would like to place on record our thanks to them, and also to East Preston who’ve waived their share of the gate receipts.

“I am sure it will be a fitting tribute to both men to see the ground full for the first time in Worthing United’s history to honour Matt and Jacob.”

Just under 1,000 tickets will be available from tonight at 7pm, via Brighton & Hove Albion’s ticketing website seagullstickets.com. Those wishing to buy are strongly advised to register in advance as high demand is expected.

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Tickets are priced £6 for adults and £3 for concessions. All proceeds will be used to fund a permanent tribute in honour of Matt and Jacob, in consultation with both families.

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