It’s a busy weekend of football for clubs across Sussex and Hampshire, with sides at every level in action – though one fixture has been called off following the death of a young player.
In the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Stamford Bridge this afternoon, where they face Chelsea. Roberto De Zerbi’s team are looking to turn around their form after slipping to 14th in the table. The Seagulls sit just below Newcastle United, and fans will be hoping for a response after a disappointing run of results. A win in London would provide a much-needed lift as Brighton aim to climb back towards mid-table security.
In the Championship, Portsmouth are on the road at Ipswich Town. Pompey face a stern test against one of the division’s in-form sides, with Ipswich pushing hard at the top end of the league.
Southampton, meanwhile, play at home against Middlesbrough. The Saints are looking to build on recent performances as they continue their push for promotion. A home crowd at St Mary’s will be hoping Russell Martin’s side can take advantage and keep pressure on their promotion rivals.
In League Two, Crawley Town are back in action with a home tie against Barrow. Kick-off is at 3pm at the Broadfield Stadium. Crawley have been searching for more consistency, and fans will expect a strong performance in front of their own supporters.
Non-league football brings both excitement and sadness today. Chichester City’s match against Lewes has been postponed following the death of striker Billy Vigar. The 21-year-old suffered a significant brain injury during a match at Wingate and Finchley last weekend, and the club confirmed on Thursday evening that he had died. Tributes have poured in from across the football community, with flowers laid outside the club’s Oaklands Park ground in his memory.
Elsewhere, Worthing are on the road at Wimborne, while Bognor Regis Town travel to face Hanworth Villa. Both Sussex sides are looking to pick up points as they continue their league campaigns.
Selsey also feature in today’s schedule. The first team are away to Godalming Surrey, where they face the league leaders in what promises to be a tough test. Meanwhile, Selsey Reserves are at home, hosting Stedham United in a West Sussex League Division One fixture.
With so many fixtures across the region, supporters have plenty to follow – from the Premier League spotlight on Stamford Bridge to grassroots matches across the county. But the loss of Billy Vigar has cast a dark shadow over the weekend.
UPDATED: 26.09.2025 @ 15:00 Chichester City FC striker Billy Vigar has died
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