Eastbourne Borough kick off 2025 with the first Sussex derby of the season as they travel to Worthing in the National League South.

The Sports sit eighth at the halfway point of the campaign, just two points off Maidstone United in third spot and four points behind leaders Torquay United.

And one of those teams in the congested top eight are Worthing, who are behind both Maidstone and Truro City on goal difference with 42 points in fifth spot.

Derby days are always earmarked in the calendars, and this one is no exception with Adam Murray coming up against Borough’s Sussex rivals for the first time.

The Opposition

Last season saw Chris Agutter’s side miss out on promotion to the National League for the first time in the club’s history by the barest of margins – losing 4-3 at home to Braintree Town after extra time at The Sussex Transport Community Stadium.

And they are pushing to be amongst the fight for the National League once again this term, with twelve wins and just five defeats after the first 23 games of the season.

It comes after Agutter – a former Hastings and Borough youth manager – has guided his side to just one defeat in the last seven games, and have 13 points out of a possible 15.

That includes a 2-1 win away at Dorking Wanderers on Boxing Day. Glen Rea put Worthing ahead at Meadowbank, before Jason Prior fired the hosts level midway through the first half. Harrison Foulkes then saved a penalty from Danny Cashman, before Nick Wheeler’s long range strike put Worthing back on top.

Matt Briggs was then sent off in first half stoppage time for clashing with former Borough midfielder Kane Wills. Dorking looked to push forwards in the second half despite their numerical disadvantage – but Worthing held on to secure all three points.

Last Time Out

It was a case of déjà vu for Eastbourne Borough as they were made to settle for a point at The ReachTV Stadium.

Borough were on top throughout, and had the best of the chances against Salisbury but some fine stops from Dan Lincoln denied the hosts a deserved breakthrough.

However, the point preserves the Sports’ unbeaten home league record, but leaves them outside the top seven on goal difference as we reach the halfway mark of the National League South season.

The closest Borough came was courtesy of Michael Klass, who he skipped past the challenge of two defenders before looking set to fire past Lincoln, who could only stand and watch as his shot cannoned back off the post.

Head-to-Head

It’s Worthing who boast the better record against the Sports in recent years, winning the last four meetings between the two teams.

That includes a league double last season, with a 3-0 win at Woodside Road on Boxing Day followed by a 4-0 win at Priory Lane on New Year’s Day last year in what proved to be Mark Beard’s last game in charge.

The Sports were last victorious in West Sussex in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup in 2022/23. Goals from Shiloh Remy and Leone Gravata saw Borough come from behind to win 2-1.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for tomorrow’s match. Prices are as follows:

Adults: £17, Concession: £13, Under-16: £7, Under-12: £4, Under-6: Free entry.

How to Follow

If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.