Both Eastbourne Borough and St Albans City need three points – but for different reasons in the National League South on Saturday.

The Sports will look for maximum points as they look to maintain their push for promotion at the top end of the table.

However, St Albans need a win themselves in their battle to avoid the drop.

Saints are in good form having not los in their last four games, and are three points from safety ahead of tomorrow’s round of fixtures – and after holding Dorking Wanderers to a draw last weekend, will not fear anyone at Clarence Park.

However, City boss Ian Culverhouse will have a number of injury concerns to consider after Alex Wall, James Clarridge, and Alfie Bendle all left the pitch with injuries during last Saturday’s encounter with Dorking Wanderers.

The Manager

Ian Culverhouse most recently managed Boston United in the National League. He took on the role in September 2022, helping the club to retain their National League North status in his first season, before guiding the Pilgrims to promotion through the play-offs in May of this year. Ian has also previously managed Kettering Town and King’s Lynn Town, where he took the club from the Southern League Central Premier to the National League North before gaining promotion to the National League.

Ian is a highly respected Uefa Pro-Licensed coach, a role he initially took at Brighton & Hove Albion after finishing his playing career. As well as the above-named clubs, he has coached and assisted in managing, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester Utd, Norwich City and Aston Villa. As a player, he played at right-back, starting at Spurs but he is most well known for his time at Norwich City and then Swindon Town.

Key Player

Alfie Payne signed for the Saints in June 2024 following his departure from Braintree Town.

The 24-year-old midfielder was the Braintree squad’s longest-serving player and made 158 appearances, including every league and playoff game, in The Iron’s run for promotion.

Alfie started his career at Norwich City and signed his first professional contract in June 2018.

He joined King’s Lynn Town in 2019 on a season-long loan ahead of their National League North campaign. He made 25 appearances, scoring three goals and helping The Linnets to gain promotion into the National League.

He briefly signed for Braintree Town following his departure from Norwich before joining Lowestoft Town. He then re-joined Braintree in July 2021.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available online and at the turnstiles (card payments only). Please be advised that Clarence Park is a cashless stadium, and only card payments are accepted around the ground. Tickets are available to purchase at discounted prices at the turnstiles before 2pm here.