Eastbourne Borough got more minutes in the tank this pre-season as they were beaten by National League Aldershot Town at The ReachTV Stadium.

Goals from Josh Barrett, Maxwell Mullins and Hady Ghandour handed the visitors a 3-0 win on the Sussex coast, whilst there were both positives and learning points to take for Matt Gray’s side.

Things didn’t get off to the best of starts for The Sports, who trailed after just five minutes. After the Shots won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Barrett lined it up and whipped the ball over the well and beyond Jamie Searle into the corner of the net.

However, Borough didn’t let the set-back affect them – and went close to drawing level minutes later. Jayden Davis played a corner short to Kai Innocent, who was allowed room to drive into the area but his strike from a tight angle went into the side netting at the near post.

The Sports remained competitive as they looked to get back into the game, with a Trialist’s header being scrambled away after Davis’ corner from the left, but it was Aldershot who doubled their lead on 27 minutes.

Tyler Frost lifted the ball in from the left-hand side and picked out Mullins at the far post, who rose to head beyond the defender on the line and the reach of Searle.

Borough threatened to get back into the game before the break, but Pemi Aderoju couldn’t quite hit the target when space opened up on the edge of the area, with his strike going just over the bar.

Another chance fell the hosts’ way eight minutes after the break. Craig Eastmond was first to a loose clearance from Marcus Dewhurst and his touch past a defender put him through on goal, but he fired over.

Barrett then almost scored a sublime solo goal on the hour mark, but after twisting and turning on the edge of the area he pulled his effort wide of the bottom corner.

Dan Quick and a Trialist were introduced soon after, but it was Aldershot who added a third with 66 minutes gone.

Tristan Abrahams did well on the left and he fired a low ball across goal for Ghandour to tap in from close range.

The Sports didn’t give up, though. A last-ditch interception denied Victor Akinwale a shot on goal after Aderoju played a low ball across, before the Crystal Palace-loanee headed over having met Innocent’s cross at the far post.

Gray then made eight changes with 15 minutes to go, and Aldershot had the chance to add a fourth with 82 minutes played. Abrahams was clipped by the Trialist goalkeeper as his effort went wide, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

However, for the second time in as many matches, the Trialist keeper stepped up and made a solid save from the spot to deny Abrahams diving to his left.

Overall another worthwhile exercise for The Sports, who now face Kingstonian at The ReachTV Stadium on Saturday.