The magic of the Emirates FA Cup comes to The ReachTV Stadium – and Eastbourne Borough will be out to cause an upset as Boreham Wood travel to the Sussex coast.

There’s a new era at Eastbourne Borough following Matt Gray’s departure this week – with Women’s boss Chris Day accepting the role on an Interim basis.

He will be joined by Drewe Broughton, and the duo’s first task? To see if they can mastermind something which no team has done since the opening day of the campaign – beat Boreham Wood.

Luke Garrard’s side bounced back to the National League at the first attempt – albeit via the Play-Offs – last season, and have taken promotion in their stride.

A 2-0 defeat to much fancied Rochdale has been the only loss to date in 2025/26, and Wood currently sit just two points off the top of the standings after 13 games.

A new era brings new ideas – and Day will be hoping to build on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Since our last home game – a goalless draw with Salisbury – the Sports did well to overcome a tricky FA Cup tie against Sholing – played at AFC Portchester due to ground grading issues – and then earn a credible point away at Ebbsfleet United.

However, that winless run in the league is now at ten games, and consequently Borough have decided now is the time for change.

But today will also be a day to reflect – as The Sports play their first home game since the tragic news of the passing of Billy Vigar.

Billy was almost an ever-present during the 2023/24 season, and was such a kind and caring individual.

He will always be remembered as a talented young footballer – his goal against Hampton & Richmond was the first under the new ownership three years ago – and we will honour his life with a minute’s silence before the game.

A reminder that supporters are still welcome to sign our Book of Condolence dedicated to Billy, located just inside the entrance to the Sports Bar & Grill.

Back to on the pitch, though, and Borough will be hoping to discover FA Cup magic as they fight for a place in the FIrst Round for the first time since 2020/21.

On that occasion, The Sports hosted Blackpool in front of the TNT Sport cameras – but it was played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions at the time.

Now, they have the opportunity to get there again – and just for the sixth time in the club’s history.