[2] After playing friendlies, their first competitive game was a Sussex Senior Challenge Cup match on 27 November 1886 in which they defeated Brighton Hornets 1–0 at home.

In 1936–37 the club reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 4–3 at Yeovil & Petters United.

A fifth-place finish in 2007–08 saw them qualify for the promotion play-offs, in which they were defeated 2–0 by Tooting & Mitcham United in the semi-finals.

The club finished third in Division One South in 2009–10, but again failed to advance past the play-off semi-finals, losing 2–1 to Godalming Town.

[6] In their first season in the National League the club finished fourth in the division, qualifying for the play-offs.

The season also saw them win the Sussex Senior Cup again, beating Bognor Regis Town 8–7 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.

At the start of the 2023–24 season the club won the Sussex Community Shield, defeating Broadbridge Heath 5–4 on penalties after the match ended 3–3.

They went on to reach the first round of the FA Cup for the fifth time, losing 2–0 at Alfreton Town, and finished third in the National League South, qualifying for the play-offs again.

After beating Maidstone United 2–1 in the semi-finals, the club lost 4–3 to Braintree Town in the final.

[9] A record attendance of 3,100 was set for an FA Amateur Cup quarter-final replay against Depot Battalion, RE in 1907–08.

[2] A new record of 3,600 was set for an FA Cup fourth qualifying round match against Wimbledon in 1936.

The southern portion of the Sports Ground became tennis courts and then in 1948 became home to Worthing Pavilion Bowls Club.

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