Eastbourne Borough travel to newly-promoted AFC Totton tomorrow (Saturday) looking to build on an improved showing on Bank Holiday Monday.

However, Matt Gray’s side will be hoping to turn performances into wins after having to make do with a point against Slough Town at The ReachTV Stadium.

After a goalless first half in which both teams had good chances, it was Slough who struck first through Jaiden Drakes-Thomas.

Pemi Aderoju then fired Borough level on the hour mark – with the hosts unlucky not to go on to win the game as they were made to settle for a point in the Enterprise National League South.

Gray made three changes to the starting eleven for that game, including handing full debuts to Ryan Sandford and the impressive Arthur Grout – who won Player of the Match in the 1-1 draw. Both will be pushing to retain their spot as the Sports head to Snows Stadium.

Totton have adjusted to life well at Step Two after winning promotion last season. After losing the Play-Off Final on penalties by Salisbury in 2023/24, they weren’t to be denied next time around.

Having finished second in the Southern League Premier South, they went on to beat Dorchester Town 4-3 after extra time in the semi-finals and then Gloucester City 1-0 in the final to earn promotion to the National League South.

Under Jimmy Ball, the Stags got off to the perfect start. A 3-2 win over fellow newly-promoted side Dover Athletic was followed with a solid 3-0 victory against Tonbridge Angels – with Tony Lee scoring twice at Snows Stadium.

However, they were brought back down to earth after defeats against Torquay United and Maidstone United – though they come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Enfield Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Hisham Kasimu scored in stoppage time to give Totton all three points.

The two teams met in pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 season at Snows Stadium. On that occasion, a penalty from the experienced Scott Rendell was the difference as Totton beat The Sports 1-0. Borough will be hoping for a different outcome this time around.

AFC Totton Information

The Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 2RW

Directions

Exit the M27 at junction 2. At the roundabout take the first exit (A326). 100 metres onto the A326 take the slip road exit for Totton (Town Centre), Ower and Calmore Ind. Est. Turn left onto A36 (Sailsbury Road). In 0.8 miles turn left into Snows Stadium.

Parking

There is limited parking on matchdays but you can park on Calmore industrial estate, 0.5 miles past the ground on Brunel Road – just off the nearby roundabout. Parking on the industrial estate is free.

Admission

Tickets purchased in advance:
Adults – £15
Over 65s & students, Concession – £11
Registered Disabled, Concession – £11
Child (5-17 years) – £6
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Tickets purchased on the gate:
Adults – £17
Over 65s & students, Concession – £13
Registered Disabled, Concession – £13
Child (5-17 years) – £8
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Tickets can be purchased in advance here