Eastbourne Borough FC
Barnes (61)
N Crabb (90+)

Booked:
Tabiri, Keehan

Booked:
Barnes

The return fixture .v. Lewes arrived after a postponed fixture at The Dripping Pan, the hosts having 'rested' since Boxing Day; Boro toiling to an undeserved defeat at Crawley. Danny Brown was restored to the starting XI, new signing Josh Klein Davies making his debut for Lewes.

Boro started brightly with 2 dangerous free-kicks providing openings for Boro. David Wheeler provided a low cross that Marc Pullan was forced to defend; conceding a corner in the process. Following this solitary chance the visitors dominated the rest of the half; Ashley Barnes a real thorn in Lewes's side. Rikki Banks saved at the Plymouth loanee's feet on 35 minutes before Simon Wormull struck a fierce free-kick through the wall direct at Banks. As the half closed Barnes shot direct at Banks before turning a Dan Smith low cross inches wide on 42 minutes.

In truth the 1st 45 was a typical derby with neither side allowing the opposition to play. The 2nd 45 saw both sides and the game itself improve, but Boro really began to test their hosts. On 51 minutes Lee Hook made the 1st of several important saves; the hosts seeing the rebound home but the striker adjudged offside. On 60 minutes the decisive decision of the fixture was made by Garry Wilson and Nick Greenwood; Smith making way for Nathan Crabb. The younger Crabb brothers 1st contribution was an fantastic through ball to Barnes; the striker smashing the ball past Banks for 1-0.

Matt Crabb's low shot was saved by Banks as the visitors tried to extend the lead and Barnes curled a 20 yard effort just wide on 70 minutes. Lewes were struggling to mount a serious attack as Boro controlled possession and territory. Wormull fired a volley direct at Banks and Pat Harding shot over 9 minutes from time. Lewes forced Neil Jenkins to clear off his line as a corner was headed goal ward and Aswad Thomas drew a low save from Hook on 86 minutes. Nathan Crabb closed the game down in time added on taking advantage of a slip to shoot through Banks for 2-0.

The large crowd dispersed with the majority happy with the result. It may not have been the best Boro had played in recent weeks but a local derby win in a congested week was welcomed by all. SCR interviewed Garry Wilson after the match and he revealed that Barnes and Smith will represent the club for at least another month. Their contribution today and over recent weeks cannot be overstated but with skipper Dan Brown as stand-in centre-back and great performances all over the park the spirit of the squad was today very much in evidence.

Words - Lee Peskett