Eastbourne Borough one game from FA Cup first round - Chichester City out

And then there was one - one Sussex non-league club remaining in the FA Cup.
Action from the Eastbourne Borough - Sheppey Utd clash / Picture: Andy PellingAction from the Eastbourne Borough - Sheppey Utd clash / Picture: Andy Pelling
Action from the Eastbourne Borough - Sheppey Utd clash / Picture: Andy Pelling

Eastbourne Borough are through to the fourth and final qualifying round after coming from a goal down at the interval to beat lower-division Sheppey United 3-1 at Priory Lane.

But Chichester City's dreams of a second successive year in the 'proper' rounds of the Cup are over after they put up a brave fight but went down 2-1 to National South side Tonbridge Angels at Oaklands Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Danny Bloor's Eastbourne had to work hard to progress. Billy Bennett gave the Kent visitors a 10th-minute lead and still led midway through the second half.

Then came the turning point as Charlie Walker's pass to Greg Luer led to him taking the ball on, cutting inside and firing in the equaliser. A minute later it was 2-1 when Chris Whelpdale's amazing early-season form continued as he converted a cross.

On 75 minutes it was 3-1 as Luer got his second from a glancing header.

At a lively Oaklands Park, Joe Turner put Tonbridge ahead on 24 minutes but Kaleem Haitham levelled five minutes later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tonbridge struck what proved the winner through Khale Da Costa 20 minutes into the second half.

It leaves Eastbourne Borough as the only Sussex side involved in Thursday's fourth qualifying round draw, which is live on Talksport2 from 1pm.

Winners in the next round will be joined by clubs from League One and League Two in November's first round proper.