Eastbourne Borough will be looking to get 2024 off to the perfect start when they entertain Sussex rivals Worthing.
Honours went to the Rebels on Boxing Day, but now in the return game at Priory Lane gives Mark Beard’s side the opportunity to put right the wrongs at Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
And with the gap to safety now five points, the Sports need to turn their season around – and what better way to start then in a local derby on New Year’s Day!
Last Time Out
There was little festive cheer for Eastbourne Borough as Sussex rivals Worthing consigned them to a 3-0 defeat at Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
The Sports had been the better team for large parts of the first half, but heads dropped after Joe Rye’s goal ten minutes before the break.
Joe Felix then made it 2-0, with Ricky Aguiar’s effort five minutes after half-time completing the win for the hosts.
Borough’s preparations were dealt a setback when Michael Olarewaju dropped out of the starting line-up, with Freddie Carter pulling up on the warm up. And things went from bad to worse for the Sports when Brad Barry was forced off with a reoccurrence of his groin injury.
The Visitors
The win on Boxing Day moved Worthing up to fourth in the National League South standings, but it was only their second win in their last five matches.
And Adam Hinshelwood’s side will be looking to follow that up with a win at Priory Lane – although Worthing have won just one of their last six on their travels in all competitions.
That includes a 2-0 loss at Hemel Hempstead Town nine days ago, with George Williams and Tarrelle Whittaker on target in Hertfordshire.
A 4-0 loss at Weston-super-Mare came before that – a scoreline they also suffered with at Maidstone United and Braintree Town this season.
Their last win away from home came on November 21, when Joan Luque, Ollie Pearce and Aguiar scored in the second half in a 3-0 win at Farnborough.
Head-to-Head
The Rebels edge the head-to-head record against their Sussex neighbours following Boxing Day’s 3-0 win.
And Worthing have already come away winners from Priory Lane this season – with a 1-0 win in the Emirates FA Cup back in September.
Jake Robinson’s first half header gave the Rebels a narrow win in a smash-and-grab victory with Borough scratching their heads as to how they lost the tie.
Worthing claimed all three points in their last league outing at Priory Lane, with Liam Vincent and Pearce on target in a 2-0 win back on January 14th last year.
Supporter Information
Today’s match will not be segregated at Priory Lane. Whilst the deadline for getting tickets cheaper online has passed, you may still buy yours ahead of kick off either online here or via our Ticket Office at the front of the stadium.
Matchday admission prices are as follows: Adults £18, Concessions £12, Under 18s & Students £6 and Under 12s are free with a paying adult.
Spectators are kindly requested to use the car parks provided at the ground and not to park in Priory Road or on the surrounding roads.
How to Follow
For those unable to make the match on New Year’s Day at Priory Lane, you can follow Borough’s progress across our social media channels, and check out live match commentary on our X channel (@EBFCTheSports).
You can also purchase a live video link, courtesy of National League TV – available here.
