EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

After what seemed an age football returned to Priory Lane; 'The Sports' having played 4 away league and cup fixtures with mixed fortunes. Many would not have seen the visit of Northwich Victoria as a stand-out fixture but with 'The Vics' and Boro both in and around the foot of the table it possibly increased in importance. Throw in the appointment of Steve King as the visitors manager and for some amongst the Boro support it became a chance to 'put one over' a local 'rival' who steered Lewes to the BSS title last year. The 1086 in the crowd were not to be disappointed in spurning Christmas shopping for this game as it had excellent football, controversy, wonderful goals, home debuts and incident aplenty.

Ashley Barnes and Dan Smith both made the starting XI again following on from excellent showings at Burton Albion; and Barnes especially would grab the headline with 2 goals; but Smith's influence on his colleague and the team as a whole must not be overlooked. In truth there were excellent performances from Boro players in every department.

Reflecting on the 90+ minutes many may forget the opening period where in can't be denied 'The Vics' were very much in the ascendancy. Peter Winn wide left and Darryn Stamp up front were a constant handful; Ben Austin and Jay Lovett needing to adjust their game to limit Winn's runs and delivery. However Boro had the best chance to open the scoring. Smith delivered a delightful deep right-wing cross into the visitors box. Matt Crabb beyond the far post took an excellent touch to control the delivery but his shot was high and wide from 12 yards. With Northwich dominating possession Barnes opened the scoring on 12 minutes. He controlled the ball with his back to goal, cut inside and with his right-foot rifled a shot high into the corner of the net; Ryan Clark left with no chance. The exuberant celebrations by all reflected not only the quality of the strike but also some relief at the 1st league goal since the 1st of November .v. the same opposition.

If any needed reminding that Northwich had more than held their own in came just a minute later. Again Win and Stamp combined when the formers low cross found Stamp sliding in at the far post. Lee Hook got across and down to save brilliantly and bravely to maintain the goal advantage for 'The Sports'. The advantage would only last until the 25th minute. Another cross from the right was turned goal ward; 'Hooky' touched the ball onto the bar but Scott wagstaff bundled the ball home from close range to level the scores at 1-1.

No doubt having worked their way back into the game the visitors were disappointed to allow Boro to regain the lead so quickly. Barnes controlled a left-wing cross and chested the ball goal wards. His quick control and turn caught Will Antwi flat-footed whose outstretched leg caught Barnes; Mr Sainsbury in no doubt about awarding the penalty. Paul Armstrong, returning from injury, despatched the ball into the net at 'The River End' for 2-1. Boro dominated the rest of the half with Matt Crabb firing inches wide after a quick break, Austin unfortunate not to head goal wards a 'Crabby' free-kick and Barnes and Smith combining well only for the delivery to be fractionally behind the later with only Clark to beat. Matt Smart left the field injured on 42 minutes after a typically energetic performance to be replaced by Simon Wormull; a player to have a big influence on the 2nd 45.

'Worms' 1st contribution was a fabulous free-kick from wide left that invited a finish across the 6 yard box but the ball beat everyone in the box; Northwich forced to put the ball behind for a corner. If Boro's opener was against the run of play so was 'The Vics' chance to level the scores. The visitors were awarded an indirect free-kick on the edge of the Boro area. As the ball was played 'Armo' rushed to block but to the puzzlement of all was booked and a direct free-kick awarded. The ball into the area was not cleared and as Barnes rose to head clear a Northwich player fell to the ground; Mr Sainsbury awarding the 2nd penalty of the game; apparently for a
hand-ball !

Simon Grand struck the ball low and to Hooks left; the Boro stopper flinging himself low and wide; turning the ball away before being cleared by a covering defender. A fantastic save to add to hooks already impressive performance - and a pivotal moment in the game. It's possible the disaapointment was in the mind of ex 'Rook' Steve Robinson as he was shown a 'straight red' on 60 minutes for off the ball 'violent conduct' - the consensus that hands were raised against Smith - spotted by the assistant referee. Robinson was followed immediately by his manager; King sent to the stand.

Down to 10 men momentarily inspired 'The Vics' Stamp shot straight at Hook when well placed and Wagstaff struck the woodwork from distance before a theatrical dive was waved away by the official. On 67 minutes some excellent interplay between Matt Crab and Wormull extended 'The Sports' lead. A neat 1-2 allowed 'Worms' to bend a low curling shot beyond Clark for 3-1. Before the crowd had settled it was 4. Jay Lovett's strong run down the right-wing provided Smith with the chance to reach the bye-line and cut the ball back to Barnes who finished cooly for his 2nd.

The final 20 minutes saw both sides make multiple substitutions; Barnes given a standing ovation by the Stand as he left the field to be replaced by Andy Atkin. Boro, with the game comfortably won relaxed; even Darren Baker threatened the scorers but his close range finish was mysteriously ruled out. Wagstaff showed great strength with a great run but is was all for nought. With the clock running down the visitors best player on the day was shown a straight red card for a horrible tackle on Armstrong that infuriated the Boro skipper; 'Armo' stretchered from the field at The Marston Arena only a few weeks earlier. The Northwich assistant manager was also shown to the stands following the incident and Boro stroked the ball around until Mr Sainsbury finally called a halt to an eventful afternoon.

It would be easy to look back on the game and believe the referree influenced the result. It must be said that Northwich played some good attacking football; Winn real handful for the 1st 30 minutes; but Boro stuck to their guns and scored some fabulous goals. The real turning point was Hooks penalty save. Immediately prior to the penalty Boro had been dominant and the club can now look forward to the Festive fixtures with renewed confidence.

Words - Lee Peskett