EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

Some may have detected a different atmosphere around Priory Lane in the days before this fixture. In many ways it was just another league game, the visit of a team fancied for promotion, with the club in need of some vital points. No doubt the management and squad preparing for the game in much the same way. However this was another small milestone in the history of Eastbourne Borough. Yes the club had hosted TV before, the Oxford United FA Cup tie, and appeared 'Live', the Promotion Play-off, but this was the club appearing at home; and there was a degree of excitement. Many people worked hard over the run up to the game preparing for and assisting the visiting Setanta crews. Garry & Nick had also not rested on their laurels with Karleigh Osborne welcomed to Priory Lane; a squad addition to the defensive set-up, and the experienced centre-backed took his place in the starting line-up alongside Darren Baker.

With the cameras rolling the visiting Boro looked to gain an early advantage with Lee Hook called into goal saving action twice within the opening 6 minutes. Stevenage wasted a further chance on 9 minutes when a glancing header was well wide from a Scott Laird delivery. The home side finally got into their stride and on 10 minutes Ben Austin delivered a fine low cross towards Allan Tait; the ball cleared for a corner. Matt Crabbs delivery found it's way to Simon Wormull beyond the far post and his driven shot-cum-cross was deflected over the bar from close range; the seen late through a crowded area.

'The Sports' were performing well in front of the cameras and Tait was unfortunate not to score with a fine shot across Chris day, the low drive inches wide on 39 minutes. Despite the home chances Stevenage closed the half with Mitchell Cole smashing a shot onto Hooks bar.

Nick Greenwood commented after the game "It's been a stop start opening to the Season for Simon (Wormull) with injury but we were delighted with him today". 'Worms' had a fantastic game and was a worthy winner of the Boro MOM award, his contribution over and above the opening score of the game. On 55 minutes Andy Atkin provided a clever ball into Simon's path and his sweet strike left Day no chance; the ball flying into the roof of the net for 1-0.

Despite further pressure the home side couldn't deny the visitors. Eddie Anaclet appeared to be on the verge of substitution when he latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area to fire home low through Hook for 1-1; the strike Anaclet's 1st for the Hertfordshire side. Garry & Nick introduced Lyle Taylor for the tiring Atkin on 72 minutes and the stage was set for the young 'Lion' to earn a place in the history of Priory Lane alongside Ollie Rowlands, Nathan Crabb and Paul Armstrong; televised 1st's. The drama was to come late on. 'The Sports' still had much to do. Wormull was unfortunate not to test Day on 74 minutes and Osborne and Baker both cleared dangerous situations. The entertaining game swung from end to end and with pat hardings introduction on 85 minutes the final act was about to unfold. Luke Oliver's header flashed wide of Hooks post in extra time before Osborne's great tackle allowed Pat Harding to stride to the edge of the area. Matt Smart made a great run wide and his delivery low across the area found Taylor beyond the far post. He took a touch inside; wrong footing the Steveange defender; and fired low into the bottom left corner with day stranded.

Cue wild celebrations around Priory Lane; Taylor running to the bench to embrace Nick Greenwood; and joined by the team and squad. Stevenage got to kick off but that was all; no time for a last ditch effort. The celebrations carried on; Taylor milking the applause and adulation from sections of the crowd and others settled into a round of televised interviews. "This was a big day for the club", said Garry Wilson, "and a major boost for all. Karl Osborne did really well and slotted right in." he also paid tribute to the spirit in the dressing room, Marc Pullan the 1st to congratulate Karl on his Setanta MOM award. With Lyle and Karl the focus of TV attention and the subject of many conversations as the 1600+ crowd drifted away no doubt some were reflecting on other contributions. There were fine contributions amongst the squad and the with the 'part-time' tag still attached TV 'pundits' noted the run and cross from Matt Smart in the dying seconds. Key moments in the game went Eastbourne Boroughs way and an end to the losing run achieved.

Words - Lee Peskett
Pictures - Lee Smith