EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

Boro returned to league action with a satisfying victory on the road to complete yet another league double. Ashley Barnes was replaced by Andy Atkin up front, Jay Lovett replacing Ben Austin at right-back.
The 1st 45 could be summarised as Boro dominant with the best chances; Forest Green resorting to long balls with the wind at their backs; Lee Hook at his best to save goal bound efforts. Dan Smith's long range effort was saved early on and the hosts had early headers wasted and off-side before Smith worked himself into an excellent crossing position for his low ball to be blocked for a corner. On 20 minutes a combination of an excellent pass from midfield and a well timed run saw Smith through with only the keeper to beat; a few strides goal ward resulted in a wild shot high and wide; the best chance of the match so far was gone.
The hosts responded with a fabulous low cross from Alex Lawless but his team-mates seemed content to let another take the responsibility; the ball out for a goal-kick. Rovers continued their period of dominance; Hooky required to make 2 excellent saves in a matter of moments. Smith again tormented the left-back and his mazy run resulted in a shot that cannoned of the bar and out for a goal-kick. The 'miss' proved costly as Rovers won a corner at the other end; the low driven ball headed home through a crowded box for an undeserved 1-0 lead.

The 2nd 45 was a much more even affair despite 'The Sports' having the wind advantage. Honours were even before Atkin's glancing header threatened to restore parity; the ball out for a goal-kick. This was finally achieved 2 minutes later when a long clearance confused the home defence and keeper, Smith latching onto the loose ball. He was driven wide and looked to have delayed too long before from a tighter angle he threaded the ball through the eye of a needle to beat the recovering keeper and 2 defenders on the line; the ball resting in the far corner.

Boro began to take charge and Matt Crabb's low drive was saved before Simon Wormull tried to emulate his goal at home to Stevenage; but his shot curled wide from a 1-2 with Atkin. Smith was denied a 2nd by a last ditch tackle before Lee Ayres 'rolled' the ball into Hooks hands when it seemed easier to score. With 5 minutes to go Darren Baker made a superb 'recovery' tackle to deny a clear shot as Rovers sought a winner; but Boro again showed great resilience and heart to snatch a late winner. Substitute Nathan Crabb latched onto a fabulous ball down the right-wing; cut inside and flashed a low cross back to Matt Smart; the No. 4 using the pace on the ball to turn it inside the near post for 2-1.

Rovers huffed and puffed in the 4 minutes of time added; Austin clearing at the near post; but Boro left The New Lawn as worthy winners, 'officially 51 travelling from Sussex. Head Coach Nick Greenwood commented "To come back from a goal down away from home speaks volumes for the players at this club. Forest Green are in a false position but I think we performed with great spirit today. We are only looking at our 'point per game average'; lets just see what the rest of the season brings."

Words - Lee Peskett