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Eastbourne Borough returned to winning ways at the 1st attempt after the New Years day derby, away at Maidenhead United. Garry Wilson & Nick Greenwood stuck with the same starting XI that took on Lewes and Darren Budd, in place of the injured Matt Smart, was to have a major hand in ‘The Sports’ victory.
Boro dominated the 1st half and started very brightly, Adam Wilde failing to beat the excellent Chico Ramos with a 1-on-1 and also firing inches wide in the opening 5 minutes. On 9 the visitors finally took the lead. Ben Austin strode impressively forward from centre-back and fed a ball in behind Jamal Fyfield for Pat Harding to deliver a perfect cross onto the edge of the 6 yard box. As the ball dropped Budd arrived and his sliding volley left Ramos with no chance for 1-0.
Harding had a wonderful shot turned round the post and Paul Armstrong’s clever goal-ward flick was blocked before the hosts managed their opening effort on the Boro goal on 23 minutes. They did however have excellent chances to equalise when Grant Cooper headed a corner down but wide of the post on the half-hour mark and Manny Williams failed to hit the target following a lapse in the Boro back four. Boro reestablished dominance after this ‘Magpie’s flurry’ with Wilde, Harding and Allan Tait being denied by Ramos, deperate blocks and goal-line clearances before the half drew to a close.
Mark Nisbet was substituted at half-time and any hopes of an early return to parity for the hosts was quickly ended as Boro were awarded a penalty. Budd burts into the 18 yard box and as he attempted to round Ramos the keepers effort to grab the ball was mistimed; the Boro No.4 tumbling to the deck over the keepers arms. The keeper received a yellow card only, defenders were bursting back onto the goal line, before preparing to face Boro captain Armstrong. The No.8 fired the ball confidently home for 2-0.
The game was far more even in the 2nd 45, no doubt aided by Boro playing very much within themselves, but the visitors still edged possession and chances. Tait had a shot turned away by Ramos on 54 minutes and 3 minutes later Wes Daly headed off the line with Ramos beaten to deny Atkin. John Hastings shot straight at Lee Hook when he could have tested the Boro No.1 to a greater extent and Ramos produced a fine double save from Austin and Harding before the game became rather broken in the final 15 minutes. ‘Tha Magpies’ finally got a break on 90 minutes when a long ball dropped over the Boro back-four and the impressive Williams rounded Hook to roll the ball home for a late consolation.
Boro again took an impressive number away and those present were pleased to see the side maintain an excellent run of away form and maintain their pressure on the top position in the Blue Square South.
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