Eastbourne Borough Women held off a late comeback to beat higher league opposition after victory over Welling United in a friendly at The ReachTV Stadium.

The Sports took the lead after just three minutes when Becky Simmons’ cross picked out Lily Smith who headed home.

Izzy Payne then doubled the lead with a fine strike from outside the area, before the forward was on hand to fire home a third on 38 minutes after Simmons had two shots blocked inside the 18-yard box.

Borough made it 4-0 before half-time. Kellie Larkin played a great ball out to Abbie Tucker, and her ball across beat the keeper and found Simmons who had a simple tap-in.

Under 18 player Daisy Taylor came on for her debut early in the second half, and the youngster got an assist within minutes as Borough made it 5-0 on the hour mark. She supplied a great ball through to Simmons, who one on one with the keeper fired home.

Fellow Under 18 Auden Ruelle then came off the bench to make her first team debut, but it was Welling who grew into the game as the half wore on.

After pulling a goal back with twenty minutes to go, the visitors made it 5-2 on 79 minutes.

And the Kent side pulled back two more goals late on to make it 5-4, with Borough holding on to seal victory.