And breathe. Eastbourne Borough go into the final day of the National League South season knowing they are safe from relegation.
That comes after Marlon Jackson’s late goal condemned Taunton Town to a 1-0 defeat at home to Weston-super-Mare on Thursday night.
A run of just one defeat in ten games has helped steer Adam Murray’s side to safety, and he will be looking to continue that great form into the final game of the campaign.
Last Time Out
The Sports came within ninety seconds of securing their National South status on Tuesday night, but were denied all three points after Weston-super-Mare scored deep into stoppage time.
That point in the end has proved crucial, though, with Weston beating Taunton on Thursday night to see the Sports’ survival confirmed.
Jamie Soule’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time denied Borough all three points in Somerset, after Yahya Bamba had given them the lead in the first half.
The Sports broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when he pounced on a loose ball with Max Harris spilling Jason Pope’s header back to him, and despite the tight angle he fired home his sixth goal in ten games.
Borough then produced a resilient defensive effort to keep the Seagulls at bay, but were undone in the closing stages. Borough tried to scramble a corner clear but after several shots were blocked in a crowded area, the ball fell to substitute Soule who powered it in off the bar from twelve yards.
The Opposition
Braintree Town come into the game with something to fight for themselves. The Iron go into the day in fourth spot, but could finish the day anywhere from second to fifth.
A second or third place finish will see them advance to the play-off semi-final, where finishing fourth or fifth will give them home advantage in the play-off eliminator.
Angelo Harrop’s side have been on a remarkable run of form – with only Champions Yeovil Town beating them since New Year’s Day. That’s a run of just one defeat in their last twenty games.
That form has seen them rise from mid-table to promotion contenders, and they will be looking to end on a high and hope they can go straight through to the play-off semi final.
Head-to-Head
The Sports beat Braintree 3-1 in the reverse fixture in November, and historically it is the home team that comes out on top when the two teams meet.
Only three times in the 16 previous meetings have the away side come out on top – and on all three occasions its been Braintree at Priory Lane.
Borough have never won at The RBMC Stadium – the closest being a 0-0 draw in February 2022.
Supporter Information
The Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium, off Clockhouse Way, Braintree, Essex CM7 3DE
No advance ticket sales are available, so it is all pay on the day. Supporters paying cash are advised to have the correct change to limit queuing outside the ground.
Entry Prices:
Adults: £15, Concessions £10, Under 18 £5
How to Follow
For those unable to make it to The Optima Stadium, you can follow The Sports’ progress across our social media channels – including live match text commentary on our X (formerly Twitter) Channel – @EBFC_Official.
