Eastbourne Borough Women turn their attention to cup action for their first game of 2026 when they welcome Haywards Heath Town Women to Connect Management Stadium on Sunday.
Chris Day’s side have only played one game since 23 November 2025 – that coming on 7 December – after back-to-back postponements against Frimley Green.
The opposition failed to raise a team on both occasions – in the L&SERWFL Trophy and then the London & South East Division One South fixture last weekend.
Day said ahead of the game: “We hoped to be into our third game of 2026 by now – but with Frimley Green pulling out two weeks in a row it’s frustrating to say the least.
“Having said that, we’ve managed to push our loading much higher in training to keep fitness levels high.
“With a couple of first team players (Leonie Swaine and Beth Creese) out with injuries it’s a good chance to bring in some of the under 18s that have been doing well for Marc Townsend’s team in the Junior Premier League.
“The new structure of the Sussex FA Women’s Challenge Cup means that team from all tiers are included for the first time, and we would love to have a good cup run and meet either Brighton or Lewes on the way.”
After lifting the Sussex FA Women’s Challenge Trophy as part of a quadruple last season, Borough receive a bye to the Third Round of the Sussex FA Women’s Challenge Cup – the senior Women’s football competition in Sussex.
They face Haywards Heath Town Women in the last 16 of the competition, with the visitors coming through two rounds to get to this stage.
The Sussex County League Championship side have enjoyed a mixed season, but have progressed courtesy of a 4-0 win at Barnham Trojans and a walkover win against East Preston.
Manager Day added: “We know Haywards Heath are a well organised young side, with some older players that have played up to Tier 5, so we know that Sunday will be a competitive game.
“Our main focus as ever is on the league, but this is a good opportunity to get back on the pitch and hopefully compete for another trophy.”
Kick off is at 3pm on Sunday (18th January) with FREE entry to all!
