Eastbourne Borough fell to defeat at Maidstone United at Gallagher Stadium, with two early goals sealing the Sports’ fate.

Borough moved the ball well in the early stages, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock on ten minutes. Antony Papadopoulos whipped a cross in from the right and John Gilbert teed up Jephte Tanga who slammed home from close range.

The Sports searched for an instant response. Josh Anifowose’s cross wasn’t fully cleared, and the ball dropped to Isaac Pitblado, but he fired wide of the near post.

However, Maidstone doubled their advantage with just 18 minutes gone. Papadopoulos picked out Deon Moore at the far post and he nodded past Ryan Sandford.

Despite the setbacks, Borough continued to be a threat themselves. Anifowose saw his low drive saved by Nathan Harness before Jes Uchegbulam had an effort deflect wide.

The Sports then felt aggrieved when Pemi Aderoju was hauled down by Taylor Foran when he looked to be through on goal, but the referee instead gave the foul against the Borough forward.

Aderoju then had a great chance to halve the deficit on the hour mark. He latched onto Uchegbulam’s ball through, but one on one with the keeper had his effort saved by the legs of Harness.

Laiith Fairnie then broke forwards from the back and he slipped through Uchegbulam, but Harness was again off his line well to save.

And with five minutes to go, the Sports were dealt a sucker punch as Maidstone added a third against the run of play. Dajon Golding found himself through on goal and he made no mistake.