Eastbourne Borough FC suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Farnborough FC in a challenging encounter on the road. Despite a resilient effort, The Sports were unable to break down a well-organized Farnborough side, with two goals either side of halftime sealing the result. With Bamba returning from suspension and Carter stepping in for the injured Bird, Borough hoped to continue their recent positive form, but Farnborough proved too strong on the day.

The match began with Farnborough taking the initiative, pressing high and creating the first significant chance in the 8th minute with a shot from the edge of the box that sailed over the bar. Eastbourne responded quickly, and in the 11th minute, a corner delivered into the box found Pitblado, whose shot was blocked. Pavey managed to win back possession, laying it off to Odesanya, but his effort went over the bar. Farnborough broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Chin capitalised on a lost ball in the Borough half, driving towards the box and finishing past Wright to give the home side the lead.

Eastbourne tried to regroup, but their efforts were hampered by Farnborough’s disciplined defense. A quick free kick by Odesanya in the 42nd minute gave Quick space on the right to deliver a dangerous cross, but Ballard McBride was unable to get a shot off before the ball was cleared. Just after halftime, Farnborough doubled their lead. A corner wasn’t properly cleared, and the ball fell to Clark, who slotted it into the bottom right corner, leaving Borough with a mountain to climb just after the break.

Borough fought hard to get back into the game, creating several chances in the final stages. In the 89th minute, Diarra came close with a header from a corner that was deflected for another set piece. Borough came close in the 92nd minute when Ballard McBride’s cross from the right was nearly turned into the net by the Farnborough goalkeeper, only for the ball to be cleared off the line. Despite their persistence, The Sports were unable to find the back of the net, with Ligendza’s effort in the 96th minute ruled out for offside.

The defeat marks a setback for Eastbourne Borough, who will be looking to bounce back quickly in their next fixture against Aveley. The team showed moments of promise, particularly in their build-up play, but will need to find greater cutting edge in the final third as they aim to return to winning ways.