EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

There can't be many Boro fans not aware of the limited but significant history between the club and Altrincham; Alty being the club who defeated 'The Sports' at The Britannia Stadium, Stoke in 2005, taking their place in the Conference Premier. At the time, and repeated often since, the defeat could have been seen as a blessing in disguise as many aspects of the club were not yet ready for the step-up into this level of football. Since that day in Stoke it would be fair to say that 'Alty' hace struggled at the wrong end of the league table whilst Boro have worked dilligently on and off the pitch to make the 'leap'.

That said Altrincham arrived at Priory Lane as a side who whilst again towards the foot of the table had achieved a fine away win at Kidderminster Harriers, and as all sides in this division, opponents to be respected. Boro were forced to make changes with Andy Atkin injured and Matt Crabb suspended; Jay Lovett and Jean-miches Sigere stepping in from the bench.

The opening exchanges were very even with neither side able to mount a serious attempt on their opponents goal until Sigere delivered a low cross into the 6 yard box that required a last minute clearance and moments later a Neil Jenkins free-kick was controlled well by Lovett; his hooked effort saved by Stuart Coburn. Altrincham got in on the act after a spell of excellent possesion and passing allowed a clear sight of Lee Hooks goal; the effort was direct at the Boro keeper when he should have been more severly tested. Allan Tait, Sigere's partner up front, was beneficiary of some fine approach play by Lovett and Ben Austin; Tait's stabbed effort palmed behind at the last moment for a Boro corner. On 27 minutes Boro scored their 1st home goal in the Blue Square Premier. Boro combined well deep in their own half and a lobbed ball forward found skipper Paul Armstrong running beyond the back-four. Coburn decided to come, changed his mind, and with a cool head reminiscent of the play-off final, 'Armo' lobbed the stopper for 1-0.

'Alty' came straight at Boro in attempting to level the game with Chris Senior, along with Chris Denham outstanding performers for the visitors on the day, twice troubling Hook just after the half-hour mark. Boro worked for a 2nd with Tait trying his luck from long range and just failing to feed Sigere when on the break but the nearest Boro got was a 30 yard matt smart free-kick that sailed only inches wide.

Altrincham made early changes in the 2nd 45 but is was Sigere who had the 1st attempt on goal; his very long range effort from a knock-down well high and wide. The changes had an effect on the visitors and they enjoyed a spell of territorial domination. Denham provided a wonderful cross but the effort on goal at the back post was weak and mis-directed. On 64 minutes a controversial free-kick allowed a worked low delivery into the heart of the home penalty area. Senior's turn and shot from 8 yards was direct ay Hook with only the keeper to beat.

Despite being on the back-foot for the early period Boro stuck to their guns and Sigere was unlucky not to score when his neat turn and shot from the edge of the box was just inches wide. Richard battersby headed wide under pressure from a right-wing corner and Senior was wasteful again from a Anthony Danylyk delivery. Denham had the best chances for the visitors as the half was played out by Boro; he smacked a driven long-range free-kick onto Hooks cross-bar from a full 30 yards and 5 minutes before the end he again tested 'Hooky' with a fierce shot at the near post, a comfortable height allowed a comfortable save. The match ended with Coburn required to deny Armstrong a 2nd goal and Boro claimed their 2nd win on the trot; the 1st at home.

In contrast to the opening game of the season where Boro played some excellent football but were defeated by a solitary penalty this fixture saw the side 'win ugly'. Altrincham had a fair share of possession and territory and these produced several chances to score. These chances were fruitless due to excellent keeping and poor finishes. Very much a similar pattern to the opening day of the season for Boro. 'The Sports' have played better and will play better again this season but the drive and determination not to conceed was back and 2 clean sheets are obviously welcome. The aim would be to fuse more attractive football with a miserly back-four and clinical finishing - sounds easy - but as per previous promotions the squad and management have identified the need to win points 1st and foremost; plaudits for style can wait a while.

Words - Lee Peskett
Photos - Mark Neal Photography and Lee Peskett