Prospects look grim for Eastbourne Borough's season-defining game

It was shaping up to be a season-defining game – but it looks like turning into a wet weekend for Eastbourne Borough.
Action from Eastbourne Borough's FA Cup clash at Tonbridge Angels in September. Picture by Andy PellingAction from Eastbourne Borough's FA Cup clash at Tonbridge Angels in September. Picture by Andy Pelling
Action from Eastbourne Borough's FA Cup clash at Tonbridge Angels in September. Picture by Andy Pelling

A scheduled trip to Tonbridge Angels, with priceless National League South points at stake, may well fall victim to the weather.

As the Herald went to press, a final decision was still pending, but prospects look grim for any play at the Longmead Stadium.

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The Angels have been plagued by pitch problems for months, and relentless rain has caused a string of postponed fixtures during the midwinter.

In fact, the Sports’ closest National League South neighbours have more than a soggy playing surface to worry about.

At the end of last week, the club stunned supporters with a sledgehammer statement revealing huge financial shortfall.

Dealing in the sort of figures which were uncomfortably familiar to Borough supporters earlier this season, Angels chairman Dave Netherstreet came straight to the point:

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His statement said: “The club requires a minimum of £7,600 per week to continue through to the end of the season, with eight weeks remaining.

"Some home games are likely to be played at alternative venues. Basically we are running out of money, and as it stands we don’t have a home pitch for our fixtures.

"There is a real probability that we will have to complete all of our home fixtures at other grounds.”

Tonbridge are understood to be in discussion with league officials, over what they may and may not do in order to get games played.

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An obvious – but too obvious – solution would have been to switch Saturday’s fixture to Priory Lane, and Borough officials would no doubt have co-operated.

But that also means a potential unfair advantage over a whole clutch of other clubs involved in the current relegation battle.

Speaking after last Saturday’s battling 1-1 draw with Billericay, Borough manager Danny Bloor was already shaping up for the Tonbridge contest.

He said: “We have a week, and two full training sessions, to prepare for what is, let’s not beat about the bush, a massive, massive game against Tonbridge Angels – one of the most important games of our season.”

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Borough’s Kent rivals have picked up a couple of recent victories, but for most of the season they have been stragglers in a National League South division haunted by the relegation quicksand.

Above tailenders Hungerford, the Sports are just one of eight clubs separated by a single point.

And after the awful midwinter weather, most of them face a crowded late-season fixture list.

Borough still have manageable commitments, with a re-arranged home match against Wealdstone the only midweek fixture in March.

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And Bloor is philosophical about this week’s news from Tonbridge.

He added: “One one hand, we are well prepared, with pretty well a fully fit squad, and we are in great heart after our recent performances.

"No player or manager or supporter wants a blank Saturday!

“On the other hand, neither team would enjoy trying to play on a surface resembling the Dungeness mudflats.

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"This fixture matters to both clubs, and we have a better chance on a decent pitch than an unplayable one.”

Further inspections, and discussions with National League officials, are expected today on Friday and updated news will be published on respective club websites and social media.

Meanwhile the Sports know their opponents in the Sussex Senior Cup final.

In an extra-time thriller at Lancing on Tuesday night, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Under-23 side tipped out Worthing by 3-2.

No date for the final has yet been announced.