Boro competed for the
1st silverware of the season at Priory Lane; nearest neighbours
Eastbourne United Association, winners of the Sussex County
League 2008/2009 the visitors. A strong side faced 'United'
with Michael Jordan, debutante Andy Hales, Simon Johnson,
Liam Enver-Marum and Nathan Crabb the only players in
the starting XI not to feature in the home victory over
Barrow AFC the previous Saturday.
Scorer On The Night Nathan Crabb Supported By Simon Johnson
- Pic : David Bauckham
After only 90 seconds Boro opened the
scoring. Nathan Crabb was the grateful benefactor as a
defensive lapse in the heart of the visitors defence allowed
Nathan to roll the ball home for 1-0. The visitors didn't
have long to wait for a chance to level but a right-wing
corner across the Boro goal went unpunished at the rear
post. Dan Smith broke quickly after a fine catch by Michael
Jordan, the effort from distance was saved easily by ex-Boro
Reserve Adam Sargeant in the United goal.
With the last 10 minutes providing few
precious chances Boro got their 2nd with an outstanding
strike from Liam Enver-Marum. On 16 minutes Smith provided
the ball to Liam's feet 25 yards out left-side of the
penalty box. The Boro No 10. looked up and curled a fabulous
strike beyond Sargeant into the top right-hand corner
for 2-0. On 23 minutes Mr. Croft adjudged that the United
keeper gathered a 'back-pass' (under pressure) and from
the 6 yard line Enver-Marum grabbed his 2nd of the game
firing into the roof of the net - no chance for the massed
ranks on the goal-line.
Liam Enver-Marum Fires Home From 6 Yards - Pic
: David Bauckham
United created a few half-chances as Boro
failed to clear their lines in the 36th to 38th minutes
but the hosts were very much in the ascendancy. Liam unselfishly
cut the ball back for Atkin on 45 minutes, Sargeant saving
well, and Paul Armstrong drove the ball just wide as the
resultant corner wasn't cleared.
The 2nd 45 opened with both sides making
changes and on 49 minutes Steve Morris drew an excellent
finger tip save from Jordan for United. Boro made further
changes with Ben Austin, Jamie Taylor, and Simon Weatherstone
introduced on 53 minutes. Weatherstone set-up Johnson
but his long range effort was high and wide. Weatherstone's
cross field ball to Taylor allowed the striker to control
and shoot but his effort was wide of the target.
Andy Atkin & Liam Enver-Marum - Pic : David
Bauckham
Sub keeper Nick Maynard made 2 fine saves,
the 2nd from Enver-Marum, as Boro pushed to extend their
lead around the hour mark. On 65 minutes United had the
ball in the net but the advancing striker was adjudged
(harshly) offside. The decision was to prove costly as
a minute later Taylor smashed the ball home from 12 yards
for 4-0. Enver-Marum's 'dummy' allowed Taylor another
run on goal but the 'chip' wasn't high enough and Maynard
gathered, the United keeper was to have an excellent half.
On 76 minutes Johnson drove another shot
goal ward from distance, the ball this time only inches
wide and a minute later Weatherstone struck a fierce drive
across the goal. Johnson was replaced on 78 minutes by
the 2nd debutante of the evening, Jack Fry, another Boro
Youth product. Taylor drew another excellent save on 82
minutes, the keeper throwing himself to his left to turn
the ball around the post. Enver-Marum was denied a hat-trick
by an offside flag on 88 minutes, the score to remain
4-0.
Matt Smart In Midfield Action - Pic : David Bauckham
The crowd were to witness an entertaining
game with United playing their full part, competing well
and creating chances. On reflection the early strike and
obvious importance that the Boro squad and management
placed on the game proved the visitors undoing, the quality
shining through.
Words : Lee Peskett
