Eastbourne Borough Women made it five wins in a row across all competitions after an impressive win over Saltdean United Development.

Saltdean went into the game with a 100% record at the top of the league, but the Sports dug deep to continue their great run and move up to fourth in the SCWGFL Premier standings.

Billy Wood’s side got off to the perfect start at Brighton University, breaking the deadlock within 15 seconds. Phoebe Cram drove forwards and teed up Megan Griffiths on the edge of the box and she fired her shot over Olivia Reed and into the net.

Borough continued to press forwards, and nearly doubled their lead when Abbie Tucker raced through on goal, but with only the keeper to beat saw her effort saved.

However, the Sports did double their lead just before the half hour mark. Charlotte Gurr won possession high up the pitch and found Cram, and she fired past Reed with a fine first time finish.

Two nearly became three before the break. Some great play in midfield ended with Becky Simmons firing in a cross from the right and picking out Griffiths at the far post, but she pulled her shot wide of the bottom corner. Gurr then fired just wide of the post after linking up with Simmons.

Saltdean started the second half looking for a response, but it was Borough who went close to adding a third when Simmons saw an effort well saved by Reed in the hosts’ goal.

The Sports forward then had a shot go just over the top corner, before Borough did get the third goal their efforts had deserved.

Debutant Sian Heather found Gurr on the edge of the box. Space opened up for the shot, and it didn’t disappoint as the ball found the roof of the net, giving Reed no chance.

Saltdean had only conceded three times all season prior to the game, and weren’t going to suffer their first defeat without a fight.

And they were gifted a lifeline with 16 minutes to go when Farrah Dorey pounced on a loose pass at the back and fired past Sophia Moule.

Things were then made even more tense when Saltdean made it 3-2 in the 88th minute. A low drive from Billie Phillpot from outside the area took a deflection and wrong-footed Moule on its way into the back of the net.

The hosts pressed forwards, but Borough held firm to secure an impressive fifth win in a row.