In an entertaining match, Kirkwood drew Rebels level eight minutes after half-time. Substitute Jamie Brotherton played the ball into Kirkwood from the right touchline, and Kirkwood took a touch before drilling an unstoppable 30-yarder past Walton keeper Richard Stroud.

Kirkwood then got the winner from the penalty spot on 65 minutes. Stroud had brilliantly tipped Matt Simpson's header behind for a corner, but from Chris O'Flaherty's resulting kick, Walton defender Matt Elverson jumped with his hands in the air and handled, under pressure from Ben Andrews.

Kirkwood then blasted the spot-kick straight down the middle for his seventh goal of the season.

Walton failed to create a clear equalising chance after that, and it was Rebels who looked the likelier to add to the scoreline. But Andy Alexander, who played up front, and Karl Akehurst were both denied by Stroud.

In the first half, Rebels captain Ben Andrews twice headed just wide at the far post, while Worthing keeper Alan Mansfield tipped over Charlie Emery's 35-yarder, before Walton went ahead on 25 minutes.

Jon Boswell headed a deep cross into the danger zone and Dave Stevens' volley across goal was deflected in by Phil Cramp.

Eight minutes later, Walton missed a golden chances to double their lead. Scott Hassell's miss-hit shot found its way to Stevens, who appeared to be in an offside position. But play continued and the Walton striker, with plenty of time, fired his shot straight at Mansfield from eight yards, when it seemed easier to score.

And, in the end, that miss proved very costly.

Rebels' two-goal hero Kirkwood said: "It's a good win and we needed it.

"We want to start our league campaign now, and get a few wins under our belts. I'm confident we can still get up into the play-offs."

On his goals, Kirkwood said: "The first one, I just shifted on to my right foot and hit it in from 30 yards. And the second was a penalty. I've had to fight the other lads to take them here, and it's always nice to score the winner."

Worthing joint-manager Alan Pook said: "Tonight's win was a great way to bounce back from Saturday.

"We played all right in the first half, but it was a very disappointing goal to concede, although we could have been two-ahead by then.

"I'm glad we came from behind to win because it will give the lads confidence that we can do it.

"Walton are a decent side, and are one of the better sides in the league.

"They are well-organised, but we caught them out with the introduction of Jamie Brotherton. He and Mark Pulling were always just going to play a half each because they were both very tired after Saturday.

"It's at the end of the season when the league position counts.

"We are the dark horses of the league.

"We haven't had our strongest side out yet and, when we do, we'll start to put a few results together and start to climb the league."

Worthing gave a debut to former Horsham defender Glen Woodburn, who is dual-signed with County League Hassocks.

Pook said: "I was very happy with Glen, and Matt Simpson has been the find of the season. He's been outstanding every game he has played for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing them play together.

"They helped us look very solid at the back."

WORTHING: Mansfield; Pearson, Woodburn, Simpson, Andrews; Pulling, Kirkwood, Akehurst, O'Flaherty; Alexander, Treleaven. Subs: Brotherton (Pulling 47), Demetriou (Treleaven 85), Lopes, Benn. Att: 186.

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