Eastbourne Borough FC

Team:
Poole
Corbett
James
Buxton
C Armstrong
Newby
Simpson
McGrath
Gilroy
Harrad
Pearson

Subs:
Deeney
Holmes
Morris for Gilroy (86)
Austin for Harrad (73)
Banim for Pearson (73)

Team:
Hook
Austin
Baker
Pullan
Jenkins
Smith (Matt Crabb 66)
Smart
P Armstrong
Brown
Lovett
Barnes

Subs:
Harding,
Atkin,
Harkin
Wormull for Brown (66)
M Crabb for Smith (66)

New loan signings Dan Smith and Ashley Barnes made their debut for Borough at the impressive Pirelli Stadium as the side produced a good first half display and held their own against the promotion challenging Burton Albion.

The game also saw defender Darren Baker make his 800th appearance for the club. Borough began brightly, with Barnes creating problems for the home defence…and skipper Paul Armstrong, returning from injury, could have given Borough the lead on 33 minutes when Neil Jenkins sent Armstrong clear with only keeper Poole in contention, but he fired over from 18 yards. Moments later he also sent a fabulous free-kick just inches wide. Burton’s best chance of the half came from Michael Simpson, but his goal-bound effort was superbly cleared from the goal-line by Ben Austin. Matt Smart and Barnes both received cautions in an attractive and exciting first period, although midfielder Dan Brown was suffering after a heavy fall midway through the half.

But the good work of the first half came to nothing as the ‘Brewers’ scored twice in five minutes. The turning point came on 56 minutes s when referee Steve Cummins penalised Darren Baker, for a foul on Shaun Harrod and Pearson made no mistake from the spot. Five minutes later Jenkins was booked for a foul on Andy Corbett wide on the left flank. From the free-kick Steve Craig-Armstrong found space at the far post to head home.

Matt Crabb replaced Smith at 65 minutes and Brown finally succumbed to his injury to be replaced by Simon Wormull. Barnes fired into the side-netting in the final moments, but Borough were unable to get back into the game as Nigel Clough’s side returned to the top of the table.

Words - Mike Spooner