A title test for Town as Newhaven await

The two are placed fourth and third in the Southern Combination league respectively. Both have 50 points, although Town have two games in hand over the Dockers. The match could prove pivotal to the title race.

Manager John Lambert said, “We’ve got to get back to winning ways, after two losses on the bounce. Of course it will be difficult, because Newhaven are right up there at the top of the league.”

Town suffered a 2-1 loss to Chichester Town, who are seemingly unstoppable as of late. Lambert said, “Chichester are the form team in the league and they haven’t lost for a long time. It could have gone either way. But on the day, the best side won.”

Eastbourne also lost in the Senior Cup to Isthmian Premier League opponents Bognor Regis Town.

However, the manager wasn’t overly fazed by the 6-1 hammering. He said, “Bognor is a different story, because they are two leagues higher than us.”

Lambert did however vent some frustration at his team’s lack of readiness. “When we haven’t played for a while, especially with this weather, we seem to take a while to get back playing at our best.”

After being knocked out of the cup, the league will now be Town’s focus.

Newhaven are formidable opponents however. They have a far superior goal scoring record, with a league best goal difference of 63, nearly double that of Eastbourne’s.

Dockers’ top striker Lee Robinson has scored an astonishing 14 goals in his last 5 games. Nevertheless, Lambert remains bullish about Eastbourne’s promotion chances.

“I think we have got a very good chance of promotion. There’s still half the league schedule to play.”

Town are five points off leaders Lancing, but it’s not a truly representative table, as Eastbourne have four games in hand.