Cash is on way to Eastbourne - and Borough are on way to Dorking

The Sports have been counting down through days and weeks of uncertainty, over COVID-19 measures, spectators and funding. But tomorrow (Saturday) they will head for Dorking Wanderers with some assurance of financial security.

Borough, with other clubs in Steps 1 and 2, have trying to square the circle of costs and a wage bill with the ban on paying spectators. But as The Herald went to press, all the right noises were coming from central Government, and emergency funding should be in place.

League chief executive Michael Tatersall said in midweek that “the Government is working at pace to design a package of support that will give the National League the reassurance that it needs.”

Borough CEO John Bonar has given the news a cautious welcome. “This is the most positive news we have received so far.

We are encouraged by these signs of vital support. Talks have been ongoing and we are awaiting the confirmation and, particularly, the details of how the financial package would be distributed across the clubs in the three National League divisions

“There is still a contradiction at the heart of all this. We are not ungrateful, but this financing simply fills the gap in clubs’ revenues – which should be coming in to us anyway through the turnstiles, if only they would allow us!”

When the Herald caught up with Bonar, he was pausing briefly from yet another COVID-19 precaution task – lovingly painting the lines and boxes of hatching, all the way around the pitch perimeter, to show supporters where they may and may not stand - if and when they are finally admitted to National South games.

But – barring a drastic change of policy by the authorities – those games must begin behind closed doors. And on the field, Borough’s opening fixtures could scarcely be more challenging.

The unkindest of FA Cup draws sends the Sports to National South rivals Dorking Wanderers, seriously big spenders and red hot favourites to set the pace this season. Danny Bloor, though, is undaunted.

“The squad has worked extremely hard, we are well prepared and really looking forward to 3.00pm on Saturday. Dorking start as favourites – as indeed they are to win our league. All the pressure is on them, and they’ll be expected to win – as they were, if my memory serves, on New Years Day at Priory Lane.”

Borough triumphed on that day 3-2. “We go to Meadowbank in that same spirit, every player will be up for giving 110%. In every aspect of my own life, I just roll my sleeves up and do my very best, and that’s what my team will be doing too.”

And next Tuesday (6th) the two sides face up for a second time when they open the National South league season at Priory Lane (kick-off 7.45pm). Saturday’s FA Cup tie is being streamed live – details on the Dorking club website – and the Sports are looking at a similar option for Tuesday night.

Through a long close season – training actually began in June – Danny has been quietly reshaping and rebuilding the Borough squad, and with a very tight budget he has gone for youth and potential.

Of Borough’s likely line-up, only banner signing Chris Whelpdale and skipper Charlie Walker have passed the 30 mark – and then only just. By Saturday, the average age should have come down another notch with the signing of two Under-23 players from a Champioship squad, whose official clearance is still awaited. Dorkingn boss Marc White, in complete contrast, has spent lavishly, and bought experience. Take out keeper Sam Howes and star striker Alfie Rutherford – both former Borough loanees – and White’s signings are all around or above 30.

Does it matter? The game of football is played in the head before it ever reaches the feet. Players will have their mindsets and memories, their favourite grounds and their least favourite opponents. On the semi-pro circuit, most players know each other. They have friendships and vendettas in equal measure, and they can often carry the baggage of old scores and defeats.

But this Borough squad is a little different. It comes with no history – and no fear. Only four or five starters on Saturday remain from the Borough team dismantled at Meadowbank on Boxing Day – and even those will include the likes of Charlie Walker and Dean Cox, who starred in the New Years Day return when Borough triumphed 3-2. But either way, there is no baggage.

Because of the lock-out, most Borough supporters have not even seen this new generation. Bloor’s new squad is packed with pace, energy and sheer appetite for the game. They have everything to prove and nothing to lose. They will need to learn swiftly, and they currently look rather like a side who might win 4-3 or lose 3-4. It could be quite a ride.