Eastbourne Borough FC secured a vital 1-0 away victory for their first win of the season against Hornchurch FC in a tense and hard-fought match at the Hornchurch Stadium. With new signing Odesanya stepping in for the injured Klass, Borough showcased resilience and defensive solidity, holding on to their narrow lead despite being reduced to ten men midway through the first half.

The match began with Hornchurch on the front foot, creating a big chance in the 6th minute. A quick break led to a shot that Joe Wright saved well, though the ball fell kindly to a Hornchurch player. However, Borough’s defence swiftly blocked the follow-up shot and cleared the danger. The game was evenly poised in the early stages, with both sides looking to assert control. Diarra picked up an early yellow card in the 14th minute for a late challenge, setting the tone for a fiercely contested match.

Borough found their breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Sesay won possession high up the pitch, burst past a defender, and delivered a precise cross into the box, where Pavey was on hand to smash the ball into the net, giving Eastbourne the lead. However, just seven minutes later, Borough’s task was made more difficult when Pitblado was shown a straight red card for a strong challenge, leaving the team with ten men for the remaining hour.

Hornchurch piled on the pressure, especially in the second half, with a series of chances that tested Wright and the Borough defence. A crucial moment came in the 49th minute when a free kick into the box found a free Hornchurch player who headed the ball against the bar. Wright continued his excellent form, making several key saves, including tipping a shot over the bar in the 58th minute. Despite being under siege, Borough’s defence held firm. Late yellow cards for Bird and Wright added to the tension, but Eastbourne Borough managed to see out the game and claim all three points.

This win marks an important result for Borough, showcasing the team’s ability to grind out results even under challenging circumstances. The team will take confidence from this performance as they continue their campaign, with plenty of positives to build on in the coming matches.