The football season is often compared to a marathon – not a sprint – and Eastbourne Borough will be looking to kick-start their season against Slough Town.

Last Tuesday’s defeat against Dover Athletic was your typical game of two halves. The Sports’ pressure was relentless in the first 45 minutes, but they couldn’t get the breakthrough.

And in typical fashion, George Nikaj’s strike gave Dover the lead with their first shot of the game just two minutes into the second period.

The 1-0 loss, which followed a heartbreaking late defeat against Hornchurch, was the first time The Sports have lost back-to-back league games since March 2024, which shows just how far the club have come in the last few years.

Borough then made the long journey to Twerton Park on Saturday, where despite enjoying plenty of the ball were unable to break down a stern Bath defence – the hosts prevailing 2-0.

Our visitors today are Slough Town – who similarly have had a tough start to the new Enterprise National League South campaign.

After an opening day draw away at Tonbridge Angels, Scott Davies’ side have suffered defeats to Hemel Hempstead and Dorking Wanderers ahead of welcoming Ebbsfleet United to Arbour Park on Saturday.

And Slough claimed their first victory of the season with a thoroughly committed 2-0 win over previously unbeaten Ebbsfleet, bookended by an early header from Tarik Gidaree and a stoppage-time clincher from Johnny Goddard.

The last four meetings between the two teams have ended as draws – including a goalless draw back in January where an inspired Dan Lincoln kept Borough at bay.

The most memorable game for the neutral in recent years was probably the 3-3 draw back in October 2023 in East Sussex. The Sports had looked to be cruising at 3-1 up, but Tyrese Dyce struck late on to earn Slough a point.

Borough’s highlight against Slough would have to be the 5-1 triumph at Arbour Park in November 2022. Jake Hutchinson scored twice, with further goals from Mitch Dickenson, Leone Gravata and Charlie Walker as The Sports ran riot in Berkshire.

Slough have only won on two previous visits to the East Sussex coast – the last time coming back in 2019. Warren Harris and Dan Roberts gave the Rebels a 2-0 win.

Both teams haven’t got off to the best of starts – and both will be after three points to kick-start their campaign.