Eastbourne Borough draw for an incredible 14th time this season

They shared the points for the 14th time this season against fellow strugglers Billericay on Saturday in a game dominated by weather that included a first-half hailstorm that sparked fears of an abandonment.

But as referee Phillip Staynings was consulting the managers the storm eased and by the second half the unexpected arrived with a blue sky and sunshine making life much more comfortable at Priory Lane.

Borough boss Danny Bloor said afterwards, “The conditions were a major factor but the boys battled really well. It’s hard to score goals in these conditions and that goes for both sides.”

It looked as if Borough were going to make full use of the galeforce wind when they took the lead in only the second minute. Tobi Adebayo sent Dean Cox away on the right and his perfect cross was headed home by Charlie Walker at the far post.

Borough went all out to double their advantage notably from the efforts of Walker who went close from long and short range as well as bringing the best out of visiting keeper Alan Julian.

But Billericay had their moments and Franco Ravizzoli also had to be at his best on several occasions, doing superbly to foil Jack Paxman in a one-on-one situation.

The fierce wind was playing all sorts of tricks with high balls continually stopping in mid-air and changing direction. Julian was having problems keeping the ball still for goal kicks but at times he made too much of the situation and was finally shown a yellow card for time-wasting.

The visitors looked set to make the most of the elements as they drew level within a minute of the second half getting underway. Femi Akinwande looked rather like Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace striker) as he dashed down the right-wing before pulling a perfect ball back for Paxman to drive home.

Borough fans feared the worst but The Sports produced a much improved second half with Walker right out of luck as his shot rebounded off the post.

Adeyinka Cole’s effort shaved the Borough post, but the menacing Akinwande was fortunate not to be cautioned following a theatrical dive in the area.

In the end, a draw was a fair result, but while the points pile up in multiples of one, this was one game Borough would have expected to win on the basis of recent results.

Every point is useful but a few threes rather than singles are needed if Borough are to steer clear of danger.

Borough: Ravizzoli, Adebayo-Rowling, Domi, Wills, Khinda-John, James, Cox (Bombelenga 83), Luer, Skinner, Walker (Blackmore 90), Ferry (Hanson 57), Unused subs: West, Hadler.

.Referee: Phillip Staynings.

MoM Charlie Walker and Franco Ravizzoli – heroes at opposite ends of the park.

ATT: 589