The Latest News
From Priory Lane
..::..
27/05/09 : Additional : SQUAD 2009/2010
With the ink barely dry from the
signing of Gary Elphick (See Below) another player joins
'The Sports' for 2009/2010. SIMON
WEATHERSTONE arrives at Priory Lane from Sussex
rivals Crawley Town. 29 year old Simon was born in Reading
and at Oxford United, his 1st club, he made 56 appearances
and scored 4 goals between 1996 and 2001. The midfielder
then went on to represent Boston United, Yeovil Town,
Hornchurch, Stevenage Borough and Weymouth before joining
Crawley in May 2008. He has made 39 appearances for 'The
Red Devils' this season past, scoring 6 goals on the way,
but has now made the move to the south coast for Borough's
2nd season in the Blue Square Premier.
27/05/09 : SQUAD 2009/2010
As widely speculated Eastbourne
Borough have completed the signing of 6 feet, 1 inches,
23 year-old (17.10.85) defender GARY ELPHICK. The
England National Game XI international who was Havant
and Waterlooville "Supporters" Player of the
Year" last season started his career at Brighton
but made just two appearances - one start and one substitute
- before loan spells with Aldershot and St. Albans. At
the end of the 2005/2006 season he was released by the
Seagulls and signed for newly promoted Conference side
St. Albans and it was whilst there that he got his England
cap and he was also voted the Saints "Player of the
Year" for 2006/2007. He made a total of 84 appearances
and scored six goals for St. Albans before moving to Havant
and Waterlooville in December 2007. He missed out on the
Hawks high profile, fairy tale F.A. Cup encounter against
Liverpool at Anfield because he was cup tied and ineligible.
Last season he made 51 starts and one sub. appearance
for 'The Hawks' and scored seven goals. During his season
and half there he made a total of 75(1) appearances and
clocked up ten goals. Gary actually had a single game
loan outing for Borough some four years ago when he was
in the line-up for the 3-1 defeat at Dorchester.....but
he did score 'The Sports' solitary goal! His younger brother
Tommy Elphick is on Brighton and Hove Albion's books.
25/05/09 : CLOSE SEASON WORK
Work at Priory Lane continued over
the Bank Holiday Weekend. The ground floor interior of
the Mick Green Stand is being redecorated, and the home
Dressing Room is almost complete.
Work in this area will continue
over the coming weeks.
A major project is further development
of the main stand. 'Many hand make light work' and it
was encouraging to see supporters and committee members
progressing activity on the stand on Saturday morning.
With so much to complete during
the close season any individual willing to assist development
and running repairs on Tuesday evenings and during the
day Saturday should call the club on 01323 766265 or turn
up 'on the day'.
21/05/09 : SQUAD ADDITION - FROM BORO YOUTH TO 1ST TEAM
SQUAD
18 year-old (14.04.91) SIMON
JOHNSON has signed a contract with Eastbourne Borough
and will be part of the first team squad next season.
The Hailsham
born midfielder is part of the current England Schools
Under 18"s international squad and will be appearing
at Wembley on June 13th. when England take on France for
the Bobby Moore Trophy. So far Simon has won four England
caps, against Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the
Republic of Ireland. Johnson is a product of the Borough
junior section (Eastbourne Borough Youth FC) and was part
of the Under 18"s that reached the lst round proper
of the F.A. Youth Cup (for only the second time in the
club history) and finished runners-up in the Sussex F.A.
Youth Cup this season. Simon has made three first team
appearances for Borough; two in the Sussex Senior Cup
with a debut at Worthing and at home to Crowborough where
he scored from the penalty spot. He made his Blue Square
Premier debut as a second half subsitute at Woking in
January.
20/05/09
: RESERVES 2009/2010
Eastbourne Borough have
applied for their reserve team to compete in the Football
Combination next season. If
admitted Borough will be in a division that is likely
to include reserve sides of Football League clubs such
as Aldershot, Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Gillingham,
Millwall, Norwich City, Reading and Southampton. A decision
about Eastbourne Borough inclusion will be made at the
Football Combination AGM in London on June 3rd. Last season
Borough reserves finished third in the Suburban League,
Southern Division. Explaining the decision to apply to
step up to the Combination chairman Len Smith said: "Garry
(Wilson) and Nick (Greenwood) are keen to enter. They
feel it will be far more beneficial to the first team,
especially since fixtures are normally Wednesday evening
giving them the opportunity to play squad members who
need match practice. For our supporters it will be a chance
for them to watch Football League players and quite often
clubs in the Combination field first teamers returning
from injury etc."
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 2008/2009
AT A GLANCE:
Blue Square Premier League - debut
season.
Finished 13th. W18, D6, L22. Goals for 58. Goals Against
70.
Average attendance 08/09: 1,344. (increase of 54.1% compared
to 07/08)
Average attendance 07/08: 872
Sussex Senior Cup Winners
2008/2009, beating Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 after
extra time.
In season 08/09 no fewer
than 24 players were on the score-sheet for Borough
and in all competitions (League, FA Cup, FA Trophy, Setanta
Shield and Sussex Senior Cup) the goal-scoring chart reads:
Andy Atkin 15
Nathan Crabb 11
Paul Armstrong 9
Matt Crabb 6
Simon Wormull 6
Ashley Barnes 5 (on loan from Plymouth Argyle)
Matt Smart 4
Dan Smith 3 (on loan from Plymouth A. but signed permanent
deal with Eastbourne Borough 15.5.09)
Ben Austin 3
Jack Jeffery 3 (on loan from West Ham United)
Allan Tait 2
Pat Harding 2
Jay Lovett 2
1 each: Darren Baker; Dan Brown; Darren Budd; Sam Gargan
(on loan from Brighton); Mo Harkin' Neil Jenkins; Simon
Johnson; Marc Pullan; Karleigh Osborne (on loan from Brentford);
Pat Sappleton; Lyle Taylor (on loan from Millwall).
RESERVES:
Suburban League, Southern Division: third, scoring 101
goals and conceding 59
UNDER 18'S:
Runners Up Sussex F.A. Youth Cup
Reached 1st round proper of F.A. Youth Cup for only the
second time.
Sussex County Youth League - fourth.
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH AWARDS
2008/2009:
Players" Player:
Marc Pullan
Manager"s Player: Matt Crabb
Under 18s Players" Player Ben Jesson
Under 18s Manger"s Player Sol Ogunmefun
Reserves Players" Player Brett Patton
Reserves Manager"s Player Simon Johnson
Sportsman"s Trophy Shaun Harper (manager Reserves
and Under 18s)
Clubman of the Year Dan Ward (chief safety officer)
Supporters" Player of the Year Marc Pullan
19/05/09 : 'THE GREATEST' - TAKE THAT TRIBUTE
Entertainment at Priory Lane continues
during the close season. This Saturday, the 23rd, sees
'The Greatest - Take That Tribute Band' and Disco occupy
the 'Sports Bar'. Tickets are available from Langney Sports
Club at £10.00 per member, £12.00 for guests.
Tickets are available at the club during opening hours.
WORKING PARTIES
The 1st Tuesday 'Work Night' at
Priory Lane was a great success this evening. Preparation
for stand developments progressed as did re-decoration
of the home and away dressing rooms. Anybody willing and
able to assist on Saturday AM's and / or Tuesday PM's
please contact the club on 01323766265 to register an
interest.
18/05/09 : LEAGUE CONSTITUTION - PLAY-OFF
FINAL
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH will
again travel to Cambridge United next season as the club
failed to regain League status via the play-offs for the
2nd season running. Torquay United return to League 2
following a 2-0 victory against a side reduced to 10 men
in the 2nd half.
17/05/09 : LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH supporters
know all about clocking up the miles and they have had
a time since the seasons end checking out what will be
their longest journey in the Blue Square Premier League
2009/10. This season the 720 mile round trip to Barrow
- faced twice (League and F.A. Cup) - was the furthest
by a distance! With the promotion of Gateshead another
marathon awaits but Barrow is still the longest, but only
by a short head! Gateshead is 696 miles return (Dartford
Crossing and A1) or 716 ( M25, M1). [mileages courtesy
of AA Route Planner]
The six new members for the Blue Square Premier League
for next season are now settled following promotion and
relegation on the park: arriving from Football League
Two are Luton Town and Chester City; promoted from the
BS South AFC Wimbledon and Hayes and Yeading; up from
BS North Tamworth and Gateshead. Burton Albion are promoted
to FL Div. 2 as BSP Champions and they will be joined
by Cambridge United or Torquay United, who play off at
Wembley today
(Sunday May 17th). Relegated from the BSP are: Woking,
Northwich Victoria, Weymouth and Lewes.
AFC Wimbledon were BS South Champions with 88 points and
average home attendances of 3,219 with a highest of 4,722.
Hayes and Yeading who were fourth in the final League
placings with 81 points were promoted by the play-offs
with wins over Eastleigh and Hampton and Richmond Borough.
Hayes and Yeading have reached the pinnacle of non-league
despite finishing 18th. out of 22 in BS South attendance
table, averaging 355, lowest 184 and highest of 1,526
for the visit of Wimbledon.
Tamworth (average attendance 815) were Champions of BS
North with 85 points - five more than runners-up Gateshead
who defeated Southport and AFC Telford in the play offs.
Gateshead (av. attendance 519) play at the 11,000 capacity
International Athletics Stadium.
Luton Town were relegated from FL Div 2 with 26 points
(24th and bottom position) having started the season on
minus 30 points. But for the deduction they would have
finished with 56 points and in 15th. place - record: won
13, drawn 17, lost 16. Despite near certain relegation
before the season even kicked off they finished second
in the Div 2 attendance charts - behind Bradford City
- with an average of 6,019 at the 10,226 capacity Kenilworth
Stadium. Chester City finished second bottom in Div 2
with 37 points, won 8, drawn 13 and lost 25. Average attendance
1,972: capacity of the Diva Stadium is 6,012.
15/05/09 : SQUAD 2009/2010 : ANOTHER SIGNS UP
Squad building for the 2009/2010
season progressed further today with the capture (or re-capture)
of DAN SMITH.
Dan Happy To Sign On The
Dotted Line
The 19 year-old was on loan to Borough,
from Plymouth Argyle, for
three months last season. He became a big favourite with
the Priory Lane fans, scoring three goals in his 14 appearances
and weighing in with several assists. After
his final Borough loan game at Kidderminster he went over
to the small band of travelling supporters who gave him
a great send off and he shook hands with all of them!
His dedication was underlined in February when cut off
by snow in Devon and unable to get out by car he took
a flight to Manchester to join up with the Borough team
for the Altrincham game - only for the fixture to be postponed
two hours before kick off! He then jumped on a train for
the return journey to Plymouth! At the end of the season
Argyle decided to release the youngster who was born in
Saltash and joined their School of Excellence at the age
of 10.
Smith is moving to Eastbourne and besides taking part
in the usual twice weekly training will also be undertaking
extra sessions and fitness work designed by Borough manager
Garry Wilson and head coach Nick Greenwood. Dan said after
signing his contract: "I want to enjoy my football
again. I was disappointed when I could not stay until
the end of last season. I was made so welcome and enjoyed
my time so much at the club that I am happy to be coming
back. The club showed how much they wanted me by coming
in straight away for me when it was known I was leaving
Argyle. I cant wait for the season start."
14/05/09 : SQUAD 2009/2010
GOAL-KEEPER COMPETITION!
Eastbourne Borough
will have two 23 year old goal-keepers competing to take
over the No. 1 mantle vacated by 312 appearances Lee Hook
who left last week. MICHAEL JORDAN
who made two appearances for Borough last season is given
a new contract and DANNY KNOWLES
has arrived at Priory Lane from relegated Woking. Jordan
began his career as a trainee at Arsenal in 2002. Impressive
in the youth team he was given a professional contract
in 2004. In 2006 he had a 3 month loan spell at Yeovil
and shortly afterwards was released by the Gunners. The
6 ft. 2 ins, Enfield born (07.04.86) "keeper moved
to Chesterfield and made seven League appearances. In
more recent times he has had spells with Lewes and Stevenage
Borough. He was between the posts for Borough in the 1-0
defeat to Ebbsfleet and 2-1 win over Grays. Danny Knowles,
born in Sidcup (07.01.86) is six foot and began his career
as a trainee at Gillingham in 2003. At 19 he signed as
a professional with the Gills and made over 100 appearances
for their reserve side. In July 2006 he joined Grays making
15 appearances and also went out on loan to Crawley and
Fisher. On July 1 2008 he signed a two year contract with
Weymouth and made 17 appearances but was part of the exodus
in February 2009 when players gave 14 days notice over
non-payment of wages. Borough fans will remember him for
saving a Paul Armstrong penalty when The Sports went down
3-2 at Weymouth last season. On February 23 Knowles switched
to Woking and made 12 appearances for the Cards. Borough
manager Garry Wilson's said today: "We are delighted
to have signed Danny and Michael. Goal-keeper is a really
vital position and having the two such talented young
keepers will ensure healthy competition between the posts
for the upcoming season."
STRIKER SIGNS
Eastbourne Borough today completed the signing of 6ft
2 ins striker LIAM
ENVER-MARUM who arrives at Priory Lane from relegated
Woking. The London born 21 year-old (17.11.87) - pacy
and powerful - began his career at the Reading Academy
before joining Cambridge United for a three month loan
spell. Made 18 appearances for them, mainly from the substitute
bench and instead of taking up the offer of a further
month elected to move to Woking where he was on loan until
he signed a two year contract in May 2007. The 6ft 2 ins
forward made 79 appearances for Woking (40 starts and
39 sub. appearances) and scored nine goals. In the season
just ended he had 26 starts and 24 from the bench appearances.
When Woking came to Borough in mid-November he was the
Cards top scorer with four goals but did not feature at
Priory Lane.
UPDATE ON THE CURRENT SQUAD
Influential midfielder DAN BROWN
has signed a two year contract at Eastbourne Borough.
The 28 year-old (12-10-80), six footer joined the club
on loan, from Cambridge United, on November 7. 2008. On
January l. 2009 he became a Borough player and signed
until the end of the season and has quickly quashed speculation
that he could be on the move this summer, by signing on
the dotted line for two more seasons. Also confirmed for
the 2009/10 Borough squad are: PAUL
ARMSTRONG: captain, 144 appearances for the club
and 31 goals including nine last season. ANDY
ATKIN: top scorer last season with 15 (all competitions)
and a Borough career record of 166 apps. and 54 goals.
BEN AUSTIN: 357 appearances,
14 goals. DARREN BAKER: an
amazing 827 appearances for Borough; also scored 22 goals
MATT CRABB: Manager"s
Player of the Season; will start his tenth season for
Borough in August, 371 appearances.NATHAN
CRABB: 87 appearances, 25 goals; second highest
goal scorer last season with 11 (all competitions) MARC
PULLAN: Players" Player of the Year; Supporters"
Player of the Year; 168 appearances, two goals. MATT
SMART: 345 appearances, 35 goals. SIMON
WORMULL: 37 appearances, six goals. NEIL
JENKINS: 136 appearances, 4 goals.
13/05/09 : MASCOT
RACE
Eastbourne Borough's representative
at a charity 'mascot race' at Plumpton Racecourse on Sunday
last came a creditable 3rd.
Leading until the final stages Ollie The Owl (of Owletts
Nursery, far right) was pipped to post in the closing
stages. It is only hoped that Ollie will now rest up until
the coming season following his fantastic effort in front
of a large crowd.
WORKING PARTIES
Much work is completed during the
close season but not all activity is completed by 'contractors'.
Many small but important tasks are progressed by volunteers.
If there are any supporters who would be prepared to assist
on Saturday AM's and / or Tuesday PM's please contact
the club on 01323766265 to register an interest and advise
of any specialist skills you may be able to provide -
but note 'willing hands' are just as important as a particular
building skill.
CLOSE SEASON WORK
Close season works progresses apace
at Priory Lane. Pitch work continues
whilst work on the replacement floodlights is almost complete.
Further detail of developments at the stadium will be
provided throughout the summer.
12/05/09 : HOME PRE-SEASON FIXTURE ANNOUNCEMENT
WYCOMBE WANDERERS, newly promoted
to Football League Division One, will be visiting EASTBOURNE
BOROUGH on FRIDAY JULY 24.
for a pre-season friendly, kick off 19.30. Wycombe
manager Peter Taylor will be taking his full first team
squad to Priory Lane. The Chairboys finished third in
Division Two and gained automatic promotion with 78 points,
won 20, drawn 18 and lost eight. Martin O"Neill became
Wycombe manager in February 1990. and stayed with the
club for five years and masterminded their climb to the
Football League. In 90/91 they were 5th. in the Conference
and won the F.A. Trophy at Wembley defeating Kidderminster
Harriers. 91/92 saw Wycombe chalk up 30 wins and 94 points
but miss out on promotion to Colchester on goal difference.
In 92/93 they won the Conference by 15 points and also
lifted the F.A. Trophy. Twelve months later and Wycombe
climbed from F.L. Division 3 to Division 2 by beating
Preston 4-2 in the play offs at Wembley. So began a 10
year stay in the third tier of English football, ending
when they were relegated in 2003/04 to what then was Division
3 but is now known as Division Two. It took until this
season and the arrival of Peter Taylor to propel Wycombe
back to Division One. Season 2000/01 was memorable for
Wycombe when they caught the nation imagination by reaching
the semi-finals of the F.A. Cup beating Millwall, Grimsby,
Wolves, Wimbledon, Leicester City (then Premiership) and
in the semi at Villa Park going out 2-1 to Liverpool.
FAIR PLAY !
Eastbourne Borough have finished
runners-up in the Football Conference - Blue Square Premier
division - Sportsmanship Awards and will receive a cheque
for £1428.57. Kidderminster Harriers were the winners
and Torquay United third. The Conference Sportsmanship
Awards, sponsored by Sports 360, were launched at the
start of the season with a £15,000 fund to be shared
between the three divisions, Premier, BS South and BS
North. Each Blue Square Premier club began the campaign
with 60 points. Each time a player was handed a yellow
card, one point was deducted. Three points were taken
off for a red card. Clubs who finished the season with
points remaining would share the £5,000 division
prize pot, proportionate to the number of points they
had left. In the Premier, Kidderminster Harriers (four
points, £2857.14), Eastbourne Borough (two points,
£1428.57) and Torquay United (one point, £714.29)
were the only clubs in the top flight to stay above zero.
SUPPORTERS CLUB AGM
The Supporters Club
will be holding their 6th Annual General Meeting in Happy
Jacks bar at the Football Club, on Thursday 21st May commencing
7.30pm. ALL are welcome, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER
TO ATTEND !, although non members are not eligible to
vote. The Supporters Club enjoys a membership of nearly
two hundred and we would urge as many supporters as possible
to attend, ITS YOUR CLUB !!, come and have your say.
11/05/09 : KIT MANAGER VACANCY
Julian Smith, after 2 seasons of
sterling service, has vacated the position of Kit Manager.
All at the club thank Julian for his excellent work on
match days and midweek, which has also included a re-organisation
of the Kit Room. If there is any individual who would
be interested in this position, fulfilling duties on match
days and/or midweek 'laundry' please contact Chief Executive
Mike Spooner on 01323 766265.
CLUB AWARDS 2008/2009
Friday last saw Eastbourne Borough
Football Club celebrate the fantastic 2008/2009 season
at Langney Sports Club. Players, Management, Committee,
Volunteers, Supporters, Sponsors and Press gathered for
an evenings entertainment and the announcement of the
relevant seasons awards. Pictured below are : from left
Ben Jesson, Brett Patton, Matt Crabb,
Soloman Ojunmetum, Derek Southouse (Halisham Roadway),
Marc Pullan, Simon Johnson, Dan Ward, Len Smith (Chairman),
and Shaun Harper, recipients of the clubs various accolades.
10/05/09 : CLOSE SEASON ACTIVITY
Work continues apace at Priory Lane.
The major activity in the past few days has focused on
the various pitches at and surrounding the stadium. Following
drainage of the rear and stadium pitches last season 'sand
slitting', to further aid drainage, has been completed
this year .....
..... and the same applied to the front pitch.
Further maintenance work to all
surfaces is also planned during the coming weeks to provide
facilities for the 1st XI, Reserves, Youth and Ladies
sections.
Work is also ongoing at the Indoor
Bowls Hall to improve conditions for members .....
08/05/09 : BORO RELEASE FIVE
Eastbourne Borough have released
five players including 312 appearances goal-keeper LEE
HOOK. The stopper who signed for the club in June
2003 was offered a new contract by manager Garry Wilson
but did not accept and was then told he was released.
Also departing Priory Lane are: striker ALLAN
TAIT (101 appearances, 28 goals); utility player
JAY LOVETT (149 appearances,
7 goals); midfielder/forward PAT
HARDING (139 appearances and 25 goals including
Borough"s first ever Blue Square Premier goal at
Stevenage last August) and midfielder JACOB
MINGLE who signed from Horsham in January but made
only four appearances.
On loan striker JACK JEFFERY
- 14 appearances and three goals - has returned to West
Ham United.
All the above are thanked for their services to 'The
Sports', and best wishes for their future careers away
from Priory Lane are extended by all at the club
07/05/09 : SUMMER UPDATES & THE WEBSITE
With the season now 'closed' we
aim to keep publicity and news re: Eastbourne
Borough FC flowing during the summer months. We
aim to provide you detail re: players, sponsorship, and
other activities in and around the club either when confirmed
or when in progress as appropriate. Please therefore re-visit
the site regularly to get the news first. There will be
a small re-design of the site but the look and feel will
remain very similar to this season.
My personal thanks are extended to Lee Smith, David Bauckham,
Mike Spooner, Lorna Gosling, Jan Field, and Colin Hutchinson
for their assistance this year.
Thank you to all visitors, both 'home' and 'away', for
your patronage during this most challenging but exciting
of seasons and I look forward to providing news and views
on the club next year.
Thanks - Lee Peskett
06/05/09 : SUSSEX SENIOR CUP-FINAL DETAILS
The details of the cup final victory
are now online.
RESERVES DRAW FINAL GAME
A 2-2 draw was the result at Priory
Lane this evening for the Reserves final fixture of the
2008/2009 season .v. Oakwood.
03/05/09 : SUSSEX SENIOR CUP-FINAL .V. B&HA
This most satisfactory season finally
draws to a close this Monday when Priory Lane hosts the
Sussex Senior Cup Final between
Brighton & Hove Albion and Eastbourne
Borough. Both sides will come to the tie in a positive
frame of mind with Boro exceeding many peoples expectations
and finishing comfortable in mid Blue Square Premier table,
whilst 'The Albion' secured their status in the Football
League Division 1 with a 1-0 home win this Saturday. Kick-off
at Priory Lane is 15.00 and
pay-on-the-day admission is £10 ADULT, £5
CONCESSION
01/05/09 : PLUMPTON MASCOT RACE
Ollie The Owl will be attending
the Sussex Senior Cup Final this Monday (Kick-off 15.00)
but he will also be making a further sporting appearance
before resting up and preparing for the new season. Ollie
(pictured below with Miss Eastbourne Borough Kylie Higgs
and Dave Pill, a representative of Boro's main sponsors
Hailsham Roadway) will be taking place in the Mascot
Race to support the Children’s Trust at Plumpton
Race Course on Sunday 10th May.
Ollie will be competing against other footballing mascots
to support this charity event. The parade starts at 1:20pm
and Ollie will be RUNNING (not flying) 110yds and jumping
two hurdles in front of a packed audience. To follow will
be a full afternoon of horseracing starting at 2:10pm
with 7 races with all the top jockeys and a family fun
day with a traditional funfair. Plumpton
are doing a special offer which should end on Friday the
1st but have extended until Monday the 4th May for EBFC
fans; 2 for 1 offer Buy one Grandstand badge for £14.00
and get the second one free. Its free car parking and
free entry for children under 16 as well. Come along and
support Ollie as he fly’s the flag for EBFC. For
further information call Plumpton Racecourse on 01273
890383 or check out their website www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk
29/04/09 : CLUB ROUND-UP
The Reserves
beat Raynes Park 4-1 at Priory
Lane last night and will play their final match of the
season at Priory Lane on Tuesday the 5th of May, 19:45
KO .v. Oakwood.
Eastbourne Borough FC
would like to thank all our supporters who have used Steel
& Co Financial Services this season. This has
earned EBFC approximately £1000. The company can
provide you with a FREE consultation for Financial Services,
Mortgages and Employee Benefits. Please access Steel &
Co's website via http://www.steelfinancialservices.com/
for contact details.
28/04/09 : COUNTDOWN TO SUSSEX SHOWPIECE!
The two best supported clubs in
Sussex, BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
(average attendance this season 5,977) and EASTBOURNE
BOROUGH (1,344) will contest the eagerly awaited
2009 SENIOR CUP FINAL at PRIORY
LANE on BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY (MAY 4TH) KICK OFF 15.00.
Albion will
be bidding for a third sucessive Cup win in the Sussex
F.A. showpiece. Borough will have home ground advantage
- the venue was set long before they reached the Final
- and will be aiming to repeat their only previous Cup
triumph in 2002 - achieved with a win over local rivals
Lewes FC. Eastbourne Borough have had an impressive debut
season in the Blue Square Premier League - the pinnacle
of non-league football - finishing 13th., topping the
bottom half of the 24 club table with 60 points - sixteen
above the relegation zone - and shredding the bookies
pre-season favourites for the drop tag!
Borough have had a roller-coaster ride to the Sussex Senior
Cup Final. In Round Two - the stage Borough and Albion
entered - Mile Oak came from two goals down to lead 3-2
after 66 minutes. Borough equalised on 81 minutes and
a Simon Wormull penalty on 83 minutes sealed the narrow
4-3 win (Borough scorers: Wormull 2 incl 1 penalty), Mo
Harkin and Nathan Crabb). Round Three: Borough travelled
to Worthing and won 2-0 with goals from Andy Atkin and
Jay Lovett. In the Quarter Final Borough ran riot routing
Crowborough, at Priory Lane, 11-1 - a record result. Andy
Atkin and Nathan Crabb bagged four goals apiece; England
schoolboy international Simon Johnson scored his first
senior team goal with a penalty; Neil Jenkins got on the
score sheet and the tally was completed by an own goal.
If the quarter finals were a stroll the SEMI was a struggle!
Staged at Three Bridges, Borough met Shoreham. Wormull
put Borough ahead after 12 minutes. Shoreham were level
on 28 minutes and it was 1-1 at 90 minutes. In extra time
a Paul Armstrong penalty on 117 minutes seemed to have
sealed the win only for Shoreham to snatch an equaliser
in the 120th. minute. In the penalty shoot out Borough
won 5-3 with Pat Harding, Armstrong, Jack Jeffery, Matt
Crabb and Dan Brown netting from the spot.
Eastbourne Borough scorers in this season"s Sussex
Senior Cup:
Andy Atkin 5; Nathan Crabb 5; Simon Wormull 3; Jay Lovett,
Simon Johnson, Mo Harkin, Neil Jenkins, Paul Armstrong
all one each; own goal one. Goals for 19. Goals against
6.
Brighton and Hove Albion route to the Final:
Round 2 Crawley Town 0 Albion 1
Round 3 Hailsham Town 1 Albion 3
Q.F. Albion 2 Horsham YMCA 0
S.F. Albion 4 Horsham 1
Goals for 10. Goals against 6.
This is the second time Borough and Albion have met in
the Final. In 1991 the Seagulls won 1-0 at the Goldstone
Ground. In 2002 Borough beat Lewes 2-1 and in 2003 they
lost on penalties to Crawley Town after a 0-0.
This is a big weekend for Albion and they could complete
a "great escape" and avoid relegation from Division
1 to Division 2 (the League above Borough in the football
pyramid). Early April and Albion were eight points adrift
of safety. Four wins in the last six games has seen them
climb to a place and two points above the bottom four.
A win at the Withdean against Stockport County on Saturday
will guarantee survival and spark celebrations that will
give Albion the feel good factor for the Senior Cup Final
on Monday! Albion could even draw or lose on Saturday
and stay up depending on the results involving Crewe,
Carlisle and possibly Northampton.
Priory Lane could welcome its biggest gate of the season
for the Final on Monday. The highest so far at the Lane
was the 2,216 for Borough v Lewes on Boxing Day.
Borough have finished their first Blue Square Premier
campaign with an average of 1,344 (14th in the BSP attendance
chart), making them the best supported of the three Sussex
teams in the compeition. Crawley Town are 16th. with an
average of 1,194 and Lewes 23rd. 718 average. Last season
in the Blue Square South Borough averaged 874.
ADMISSION FOR THE SENIOR CUP FINAL - PAY ON THE DAY -
IS £10. ADULT AND £5 CONCESSION.
27/04/09 : CLUB RESULTS
ROUND-UP
The curtain finally fell on the 2008/2009 league season
with a defeat at Priory Lane. Details the game are available
here.
The match was Allan Tait's 100th appearance for the club
in which he has scored 28 goals. Congratulations Allan.
Prior to the game Marc Pullan was awarded the Supporters
Player Of The Year award.
Marc
Pullan - 2008/2009 Supporters Player Of The Year - .v.
Barrow AFC
The Reserves beat Walton
Casuals 5-2 on Saturday afternoon and the
U18's beat Hastings United 4-1 on Thursday in their
final game of the season.
For those who have yet to get their fill of league action
the Reserves continue with a home fixture .v. Raynes Park
on Tuesday night at 19.45.
23/04/09 : BARROW GAME SEGREGATED
On Police advice the
BARROW AFC fixture this Sunday (KICK OFF 16.00)
WILL be segregated. Visiting
supporters will occupy the 'River End' terrace and should
enter the ground via the rear car park turnstile. Borough
fans will be admitted as normal via all other turnstiles
but entry to the Clubhouse will be restricted to members
only.
22/04/09 : NEWS ROUND-UP
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH will probably
need to win Sunday"s final Blue Square Premier fixture
of the season against BARROW at Priory Lane to stand a
chance of finishing in the top half of the 24 club League.
Borough will start the day in 12th. or 13th. position
with 60 points (goal difference minus 10) but could be
overtaken by Mansfield Town 59 points with a gd of plus
1 but a tough home match against in form and play-off
hopefuls Stevenage Borough. Ebbsfleet United currently
have 57 points and a gd of minus 6 but with two games
still to play. In fact they could climb above Borough
on goal difference if they win tomorrow (Thursday) night
at Northwich Victoria. Ebbsfleet are at home to Salisbury
City on Sunday. The lowest Borough can finish is 14th
in their debut season at the pinnacle of non-league.
Barrow - Borough"s bogey team
this season - could arrive at Priory Lane still needing
a draw to avoid the drop. At the moment they sit uncomfortably
in 20th. place with 48 points from 45 games and a gd of
minus 16. There is still one relegation place to settled
- Woking, Northwich and Lewes are already down -and whilst
Weymouth are odds on to fill this they can, with two matches
left, mathematically survive. Weymouth have 43 points
and fixtures to come against York City (48 points but
a better goal difference minus 5 than the minus 16 of
Barrow) on Friday and away at Wrexham on Sunday. In encounters
with Barrow this season Borough were well beaten 3-1 at
Holker Street in the League. In the F.A. Cup Borough failed
to cash in on home advantage with the tie finishing 0-0
despite The Sports having enough chances to have won the
game in the opening 20 minutes! Borough lost the replay
in Cumbria 4-0 and Barrow went on to beat Brentford and
pushed Middlesbrough all the way before bowing out in
round three.
Tamworth have already won
BS North and the play offs for the second promotion
place will be contested by Gateshead, Southport, AFC Telford
and Alfreton Town. In BS South
AFC Wimbledon are champions in everything but name with
85 points and a gd of plus 47 and will take the automatic
promotion spot. Hampton and Richmond and Eastleigh both
have 82 points with one game to go but inferior goal difference
to AFC Wimbledon, pus 34 and plus 20 respectively and
it looks as though they will be joined in the play offs
by Hayes and Yeading and Chelmsford (although there is
still an outside chance Maidenhead could pip Chelmsford).
Wimbledon will be a big draw in the BSP having averaged
3,144 at home this season and regularly taking 1,500 t0
2,000 to away games. There is already big interest in
Luton Town"s visit to Priory Lane next season.
Within minutes of confirmation of the Hatters relegation
Borough commercial manager Lorna Gosling had two "phone
calls enquiring about sponsoring the game! DB Domestics
have since signed up to sponsor the Luton match.
Eastbourne Borough"s introduction
of reserved seat season tickets
for 2009/10 is already proving a winner with over 50%
of the early purchasers - discounted rate available until
June 30th - opting for a season long seat (all League
games). A reserved seat season ticket costs:
Adult £265 before June 30 or £285 after June
30
Concession: £180 before June 30 or £195 after
June 30
Under 16: £90 before June 30 or £95 after
June 30.
A ground season ticket costs:
Adult £230 before June 30. or £25O after June
30.
Concession: £145 before June 30 or £160 after
June 30
Under 16: £55 before June 30 or £60 after
June 30.
Priory Lane could welcome its biggest
gate of the season for the Sussex
Senior Cup Final on Bank Holiday Monday (May 4th)
kick off 15.00. when holders Brighton and Hove Albion
take on Eastbourne Borough. The highest attendance so
far this term was 2,216 for Borough v Lewes on Boxing
Day. Admission is pay on the day £10 adults and
£5 concessions. Eastbourne Borough look certain
to finish the season the best supported of the three Sussex
clubs in the Blue Square Premier. They are currently 14th.
in the attendance table with an average of 1,333. Crawley
Town are 15th. averaging 1,207 and Lewes 23rd. with a
714 average.
21 /04/09 : RESERVES
