Eastbourne Borough will be looking for some Boxing Day cheer when they make the short trip across Sussex to take on Worthing.
Mark Beard’s side will look to bounce back following Saturday’s narrow defeat against Yeovil, whilst Worthing are hoping to return to winning ways themselves.
It’s not just points on the line – but also bragging rights as Sussex’s two representatives at Step Two face off at Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Last Time Out
Following victory at Welling United, spirits were high in the Borough camp for the visit of league leaders Yeovil Town.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Sports as a controversial goal proved to be the difference at Priory Lane.
Referee Jack Bloxham failed to allow the Sports possession from a drop ball inside their own half, and the Glovers took advantage to score what proved to be the decisive goal in the first half.
And despite their possession in the second half, Borough couldn’t break down a resilient defence as Yeovil extended their lead at the top of the National League South standings.
The Opposition
Despite sitting inside the top six, Worthing will be looking for some end-of-year cheer after slipping to a 2-0 defeat at Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.
George Williams and Tarrelle Whittaker got the goals either side of the break to give the Tudors all three points in Hertfordshire.
That loss made it just one win in the last four for Adam Hinshelwood’s men, although that win did come in their last home game.
And they did it in some style – as they dismantled 10-man Maidstone United, 5-1. Ollie Pearce leads the goalscoring charts in the National League South – and he scored a hat-trick to send the Stones packing.
Head-to-Head
Matches between the two Sussex sides have notably been close contests – with the home team yet to win on the four occasions the teams have met.
That includes this season’s Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie, where Worthing somehow came out 1-0 winners at Priory Lane.
Jake Robinson’s first half header gave Worthing a narrow win as the visitors claimed a real smash-and-grab victory.
Borough had plenty of chances in front of goal, but wasteful finishing coupled with exceptional goalkeeping denied them against their fellow Sussex compatriots.
At Woodside Road last season, the points were shared. James Hammond gave Borough the lead in the first half, but Elliott Romain saw red before Callum Kealy – now of the Sports – fired in an equaliser for Worthing late on.
Supporter Information
Today’s match will not be segregated at Woodside Road. Our hosts strongly advise supporters to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the matchday queues. Buy your tickets here: https://ticketpass.org/o/615920564/worthing-fc/events
Admission prices are as follows: Adults: £16, Concessions: £12, Ages 12-16: £6, Ages 6-12: £3, Under 6: Free.
For further information, visit worthingfc.com/2023/12/matchday-guide-eastbourne-borough/
How to follow
For those unable to make the match on Boxing Day at Sussex Transport Community Stadium, you can follow Borough’s progress across our social media channels, and check out live match commentary on our X channel (@EBFCTheSports).
