Eastbourne Borough FC

Booked:
Tomlin

Booked:
Harkin, Jenkins

Boro were on the road again, this time in league action, as they visited Nene Park for the 1st time. Rushden & Diamonds were the clubs opening day fixture and the visitors left with all 3 points after a converted penalty provided a 1-0 victory.

Allan Tait returned to the starting 11 but 'The Sports' were slow out of the blocks; chances for Michael Rankine and Lee Tomlin came and went before a Darren Baker through ball was just beyond Tait; the 1st opportunity for Boro. Ben Austins thunderous drive was spilled by Dale Roberts on 23 minutes but Andy Atkin was adjudged offsie for the rebound. Tomlin was proving lively and his shot was saved bt Hoooky before his turn and shot on the edge of the area was curled beyond the Boro keeper for 1-0.

2 minutes later he though he had a second as he delivered a long ball into the area that evaded eveyone but a strike partner; close to providing a finishing touch; was adjudged offside. As the 1/2 finished Rankine fouled Hook when finishing a high ball so the hlf-time score remained 1-0.

The 2nd 45 started in a more positive way for Boro with Matt Crabb, Tait and Neil Jenkins threatening but 10 minutes in Rankine headedhome from close range as Hook parried a bullet header from a corner.

Crabb and Tait had further chances but the introduction of Simon Wormull and Jat Lovett saw the game swing back Boro's way; unfortunately no goals were to come from the possesion and deliveries. Lovett headed at Roberts and Wormull's excellent crosses could not find a finish; the score remaining at 2-0.

Boro played well enough in the 2nd half but could not find that bit of luck to break the recent scoring duck.

Words - Lee Peskett