Eastbourne Borough beaten by fellow high flyers St Albans

Shaun Jeffers’ strike edged a scrappy affair, the striker’s low finish midway through the first half proving the difference as Ian Allinson’s unbeaten side prevailed 1-0.

With Kai Innocent suspended, there was a debut for Joe Kay at left-back, while Chris Whelpdale made a welcome return to the squad, being named on the bench.

In truth, chances were few and far between as fifth hosted fourth, with Greg Luer seeing his effort deflected just wide of the post with Michael Johnson beaten early on.

Johnson then did well to deny Charlie Walker with his legs, before St. Albans went ahead with their first real attack. Zane Banton did well to head a long ball down to Jeffers, and from inside ten yards he fired low past Franco Ravizzoli.

From there, the Saints managed the game well – slowing the clock down at every opportunity and defended resolutely.

Borough started the second half on the front foot, with Luer’s ball across looking for Charley Kendall intercepted at the last moment before Kendall and then James Hammond had efforts blocked.

The Sports almost got the equaliser they deserved in stoppage time. Joel Rollinson did well to whip a low ball in from the right and Luer met it with a volley at the near post, but a great reach from Johnson turned the ball wide of the post.