Borough returned
from former Football League outfit Torquay United on Saturday
20th September having suffered a 2-0 defeat.
In the first minute of the game, United keeper Michael Poke
saved from Nathan Crabb, after a cross by Jay Lovett was
flicked on by Crabb. The match continued from end to end
with Torquay’s first shot on target caming in the
8th minute when Tyrone Thompson’s effort from twenty
yards was comfortably saved by Lee Hook.
Then on 18th minutes, as United appeared to have cleared
their lines, full back, Neil Jenkins, hit a superb 30 yard
left foot volley which beat Poke, but crashed back off the
crossbar to safety.
Torquay pushed the ball around but the Borough defence held
tight until the 23rd minute when Tyrone Thompson put United
ahead. A free-kick from the left was headed across goal
by Chris Todd and Thompson controlled the ball and fired
past Hook from the edge of the six yard box.
The impressive Chris Hargreaves was shown a yellow card
for a late tackle on Tait and Tait himself was booked a
minute later for a needless foul on Thompson. Hook was tested
with two well taken shots as the first half came to a conclusion.
Torquay had made the better opportunities without seriously
testing Hook, whilst Eastbourne were lacking a physical
presence in the final third..
United began the second half in a determined fashion, forcing
a corner, but Hook was fouled as the kick was taken. United
forced further corners….and were well on top at this
period of the game. Borough defended stubbornly, but Hargreaves
went close with a header from a left wing cross but Hook
tipped the ball over for a corner.
United sought to increase their lead…and when Lee
Mansell found himself space on the right, and his cross
found Hargreaves who gave Hook little chance with a fierce
header.
United continued their domination into the final minute
and came close to adding to their tally. Nicky Wroe, Danny
Stevens and Tim Sills all went close.
Although Borough showed commitment, Torquay always looked
the stronger….and the visitors were restricted in
their goal efforts in the second half.
Words - Mike Spooner |
