Eastbourne Borough look to get back to winning ways tonight – but are in for a tough test against fellow promotion chasers Maidstone United.

The Stones bounced back to end a run of three games without a win when they beat Bath City 3-0 at Gallagher Stadium on the weekend.

With just three points separating second place Borough and Maidstone in sixth, a tight affair is predicted at The ReachTV Stadium – with the Sports looking to defend the only unbeaten home record in the National League South.

Form Guide

Last Five (L-R): W D L L W

Saturday saw Maidstone bounce back after taking just one point from their previous three matches. However, the Kent side had to be patient with three second half goals seeing them overcome Bath City.

Two goals in four minutes in the second period ultimately settled the match, with Reiss Greenidge and Aaron Blair putting George Elokobi’s side in control. Charlie Seaman then added a third in stoppage time.

The win was much needed after back-to-back defeats against Slough Town and relegation-threatened Aveley were followed with a goalless draw at Hemel Hempstead Town.

But the Stones will be hoped to be buoyed by the weekend’s return to form and will be up for completing the league double over Borough after November’s 3-1 win at Gallagher Stadium.

The Manager

George Elokobi will need no introduction to most fans of the English game, having made his name at Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing for the Black Country club in both the Premier League and Championship. 

Also formerly of Colchester United, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Oldham Athletic amongst others, George joined the Stones following his departure from Aldershot Town in summer 2019. 

He retired from playing professional football in May 2022 but wasn’t away from the game for long, becoming manager in January 2023. In his first full season, he led his team to the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup – a club record.

The Stones boss added Premier League experience to his management team with the appointment of Craig Fagan in February 2023. The duo were former team-mates at Colchester United.

Danger Man

Sam Corne started his senior career with Welling United in 2013 and after four seasons at Park View Road, he signed for Braintree Town and worked under former Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin.

During his time at Welling he got an England C call-up and attracted interest from league clubs.

Prior to signing at the Gallagher, he played for Greenwich Borough and Ashford United – scoring 21 goals in 40 games for the Nuts & Bolts – while focusing on his football coaching qualifications.

‘Corney’ made his Maidstone United debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season and has clocked up more than 100 appearances since. He was a key figure in the club’s 2021/22 championship-winning season, as well as last season’s FA Cup run with goals against Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich Town.