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Eastbourne Boroughs end of season has been in stark contrast to the previous months. A stable side was playing with confidence, style and passion. Then a short dip in form that coincided with a run of injuries and suspensions hove into a view and the side, although still displaying the passion, was struggling to close out a fine 2007/2008 and claim a place in the Blue Square Premier over Sussex rivals Lewes. A difficult away win on a Monday night in north Somerset was evidence of the commitment in the squad, and indeed the result assured ‘The Sports’ of a play-off place.
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However the arrival of fellow promotion hopefuls Bath City was always going to provide a stern test. The home squad was further depleted with Andy Atkin, and Ben Austin starting bans to total 8 players unavailable. As such Garry Wilson and Nick Greenwood provided opportunities to Evan Archibald, Ross Treleaven and James Bywater in the squad and Dominic Douglas would have a fine game, playing through a painful neck injury.
 Playing with the fierce wind Boro were soon into their stride and dominated the first forty-five minutes. Nathan Crabb, Jay Lovett, Evan Archibald and Adam Wilde all pressurised the Bath City goal but on 19 minutes Aaron Ledgister smashed a long range effort off Lee Hooks bar, the visitors unlucky not to be in front. ‘The Romans’ threatened further with the hard working Phil Walsh testing Hook before Nathan Crabb and Archibald combined to test Evans again for Boro.
Many at Priory Lane expected Bath to dominate the 2nd half, aided by the conditions, but the ‘never say die’ spirit at Boro saw the home side dominate possession and territory. Pat Harding would deliver several telling crosses and in the 46th minute Archibald (left) headed just wide. The Boro No. 10 had a good claim for a penalty as he was bundled over when challenging for a corner but debutante Ross Treleaven (below) replaced him on 67 minutes. Douglas displayed a cool head and determination to make 2 desperate tackles to deny Bath scoring opportunities before Harding’s close range volley was saved by Evans at the back post on 68 minutes.
In the final 15 minutes Boro continued to press for the opening goal and Andy Ballard forced his way through the heart of the visiting side to set up Treleaven, the first time shot was tipped over to deny the No. 15 a debut score. Boro cleared a goal-mouth scramble before Sam Crabb was adjudged inches offside as his brother Matt slid a pass into his stride, Mr Rubery blowing up to signal the scoreless draw.
 Nick Greenwood, Head Coach at Priory Lane was pleased with the performance. “The squad situation is well known but we just have to get on with it. The squad here is strong and players came in today and did exactly what we needed them to do. Bath are chasing a play-off place and the game at Twerton Park was tough so we knew we would have to be strong. I’m sure everyone associated with the club is proud of today’s performance and we will keep pressing until the end of the season” Both sets of supporters appeared happy with the draw but following recent results, the point gained through an excellent team performance with impressive individual contributions, Eastbourne Borough will have gained confidence for the final act of the season.
Match Details - Webmaster.
Photos - Kieran Fitzwalter |
