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Remember November – 2004
Any Borough fans sceptical of their side's chances against Weymouth tomorrow would do well to remember November 20, 2004.
On that day, Weymouth led 2-0 at Priory Lane at half-time – only for a rampant Boro' to turn on the style after the break and romp to a 4-2 victory.
Five Boro' players remain from the starting XI almost three years ago – Lee Hook, Darren Baker, Matt Smart, Ben Austin and Scott Ramsay – but the same can't be said for Weymouth.
Only goalkeeper Jason Matthews remains in the Terras' squad – he is now playing second fiddle to current custodian Jon Stewart – while Adam Wilde (whose dad is commercial manager at Weymouth) swapped sides, although injury prevents him from lining up against his old club.
As a Blue Square Premier side, Weymouth entered the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round, but needed a replay to dispose of Southern League Premier outfit Hitchin Town.
And it was ex-Borough midfielder Anton Robinson – now the Terras' captain – who scored the winner.
The Dorset club are making their third appearance in the first round proper in as many seasons. In 2005-06, they grabbed national attention after a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, but crashed out in the replay at the Wessex Stadium.
Last season they took Bury to a replay and lost by the odd-goal in seven.
This season player-manager Jason Tindall has crafted a new-look squad into one capable, on their day, of competing with the best in the Blue Square Premier. But inconsistency remains a problem, particularly at home, and after their 2-0 defeat to Aldershot, the Terras lie 17th.
Weymouth's squad contains players with vast amounts of Football League and Conference experience.
Their midfield is particularly impressive with ex-Chelsea, Yeovil and Aldershot winger Nick Crittenden and former Arsenal, Watford and Dagenham playmaker Paolo Vernazza pulling the strings alongside skipper Robinson.
And they have bolstered their defence recently with the loan signing of veteran defender Neil Young on a month's loan from Bournemouth.
Not even statistics can separate the two clubs – in six previous matches, Boro and Weymouth have won three apiece,each scoring eight goals.
Weymouth may have the psychological edge though, having won 2-0 at Priory Lane on their last visit.
Click on the green play icon to watch interviews with Scott Ramsay, Ben Austin and Pat Harding.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
