EASTBOURNE BOROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

When the fixture list was published for this season many followers of 'The Sports' would have scanned for the 'key' games. This would have been a mixture of winnable, local derbies, big names and big grounds. York City away would have been such a 'key' game, and with the added spice of being the final away fixture the result could have been an important contributor to the clubs survival at this level. However the excellent season the Eastbourne public have been provided by their highest ranked side saw survival effectively achieved several weeks ago. So the hardy band of 'Sports' fans who made their way north did so in relaxed fashion. The away terrace was populated by several 'making a weekend of it', exiled Eastbournians from across the north, and even the 'South Yorkshire Sports'. They were to see their side lose, but not outclassed, to a full time ex-league side fighting to maintain their status in the division; possibly a reversal from what was expected in August 08.
The anticipated bombardment from the home side started from the off and the opening few minutes saw 'The Minstermen' force several corners; Richard Brodie inexplicably heading over when well placed. Boro responded with a fabulous spell of passing and movement allowing Allan Tait the chance to open the scoring; the No. 10 forcing a save from Michael Ingham in the home goal. On the 1/4 hour City sent a dangerous ball across the face of the away goal and 5 minutes later Marc Pullan was forced from the field with an injury - Matt Smart introduced and Dan Brown ably moving into the back-four to partner Darren Baker. Levi Mackin mimicked Brodie by wastefully heading over and it appeared 'The Sports' had weathered the storm. With the force and regularity of the attacks receding Daniel McBreen raced away down the right-wing channel and fired across Lee Hook for 1-0. The half closed with Brodie again nodding wide and Tait denied by a brave David McGurk defensive header at the near post - the Boro management duo glad to get the side in at half-time to provide inspiration.
Jack Jeffery was replaced by Nathan Crabb early in the 2nd 45 and the younger of the Crabb brothers was to prove a lively addition to the game. As the half wore on he, Paul Armstrong and the 'raiding' Ben Austin were to drive the side on. York forced a double save from Hook on 23 minutes and McGurk headed against the post from the resultant corner but the pressure was mostly Boro. That said the home side restricted clear cut opportunities and defended with the 'never-say-die' attitude their league position demanded. 'Armo' found himself in good positions on several occasions but the finishing just wasn't there from him or his side; City finally relieved to hear the final whistle, the Boro 'faithful' left to wend their way home to Sussex, to all points across the country, or simply 'into town' to continue the 'weekender' and look forward to next seasons trips.

Words - Lee Peskett