EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

Visits to Altrincham have been eventful this season, and for very different reasons. Back in January the Blue Square Premier match was called off by referee Harrington due to a frozen pitch. The Borough squad returned to Priory Lane without a ball being kicked. But on Tuesday evening there were worries that the game would ever come to an end. What is more amazing is the fact that action in this exciting, end to end 2-2 draw will be scarcely remembered as the main topic of conversation surrounded the farcical second half that lasted an astonishing 63 minutes, and was again linked to Mr Harrington’s influence! Simon Wormull and Jack Jeffery came in to the starting line-up, replacing Matt Smart and Allan Tait, with Michael Jordan added to the squad that beat Weymouth 3-0 in their previous game.
Jack Jeffery (7 mins) gave the visitors a great start as he fired into the net following a free-kick from Matt Crabb that was headed back across the goal by Marc Pullan, and Ben Austin (40 mins) increased Borough’s lead when he unleashed a 35 yard effort that was fumbled over the line by keeper Coburn. Chances were being created at both ends, but a moment of indecision just before the break proved to be a major setback for Borough as the impressive Colin Little reduced the arrears.
At the start of the second half Borough went close to increasing their goal tally when Nathan Crabb centred from the right flank, the keeper touched the ball into the path of Matt Crabb whose snap shot was again parried by Coburn with the rebound finding Dan Brown who fired over the bar. At the other end Hook made important saves from Little and Michael Welch. After the robust nature of the first half, play became disjointed for a time, not helped when an eight minute stoppage time was brought about when referee Harrington was replaced due to an injured foot. From the restart, Altrincham upped the tempo and put the pressure on Borough, who became their own worst enemy as they assisted Alty by conceding a succession of free-kicks. And it was from one of these infringements that Shaun Densmore levelled the scores, firing home from 25 yards. Both sides had chances to secure a result as the game proceeded towards an expected final whistle, but substitute referee Mr White had other ideas! With the assistance of the fourth official the half continued for an incredible 63 minutes, much to the bewilderment of players, managers, coaches and spectators.
Manager Garry Wilson and coach Nick Greenwood made their feelings known to the officials as did the crowd who sought an explanation for the mystery of the ‘extra-time’ and it appears that the stoppage time was added TWICE by rather inadequate time keepers! Wilson commented, “This as our fifth game in ten days and after going two-nil up it was disappointing to draw, but a draw away from home is creditable as we further consolidated our position. As for the stoppage time, the players deserved better at this level of the game.” A good point from a hard game but overall a fair result from an encounter that kept the crowd on its toes throughout, although towards the end they might have preferred to be in their beds.

Words - Mike Spooner