Nervy start, triumphant ending: Eastbourne Borough finally give home fans what they’ve been missing

The Sports had trailed to a fourth-minute goal - feebly conceded - before winching themselves back into the contest and then taking second-half control. Equalising just four minutes after the break, the home side dominated play and clinched the victory with two late goals.

The celebrations were tempered a little as the night's other National South results flew in: victories for at least three of the clubs struggling around Borough. But manager Tommy Widdrington well knows what he can and cannot control, and his staff and players showed enough on Tuesday to give credible hope of surviva

Maidstone's last visit to the Connect Management Stadium remained a painful memory for home supporters - that stoppage-time Aaron Blair goal which pitched Adam Murray's Sports out of the National South play-offs in front of a gripped capacity crowd. The context for this midweek affair could hardly have been more different: bleak wet weather to freeze the fingertips and dampen the mood of even the hardiest fans.

Tayt Trusty took the armband, alongside Lachlan Byrd and Will Armitage in a back three, and both those youngsters played reliably - albeit after the early body-blow of the Maidstone opener. The Stones pressed the Borough right-back position, snatched possession and quick-feet exchange of passes found Leo Hamblin squeezing through to drill a shot under keeper Williamson.

You could hear and feel the collective groan of a home crowd who have witnessed home defeat after home defeat this season at the Lane - and only one league victory.

But the next 86 minutes were, if not exhilarating, definitely heartening. Young keeper Williamson went on to perform with agility and great judgement, while in front of him, the men in red held their nerve and ratcheted their way back into the contest. Tommy may not have time on his side, but he now has a squad of young players who are learning to put his plans into practice.

Marking was tighter, covering and team shape were more balanced, and Borough were really competing with their more experienced opponents. Among a clutch of promising forward moves, the nearest to an equaliser came with an Adam May 25-yarder - with Stones keeper Harness way out of goal - which struck the inside of the left-hand post and spun right along the line before Maidstone hacked it clear.

Forty-five minutes, then, to rescue this match and to keep the season alive. If only Eastbourne had a classy striker with pace, close skills and the instinctive knack of finding space. Ah, that would be George Alexander...

The Borough No9 has endured a frustrating season in some respects - but on the right day, in the right role, he is a defender's nightmare. Just four minutes after the break, he brought the scores level with the coolest of finishes after Harness could only parry a Maxwell Mullins shot.

A terrific Williamson save from Riley Court's free-kick kept it level, and this absorbing contest remained in the balance. The Stones suffered a crucial setback on 58 minutes, when skipper and midfield mainspring Sam Cornes was forced off with an injury.

As fine drizzle turned to rain, Maidstone lost their way. Borough were dominating possession, winning turn-overs, dragging Stones defenders all over the place. This was not the performance of a team doomed to relegation: this was - at last - a set of players putting their manager's message into practice, tackling harder and sprinting the extra yards. But they needed three points.

The scoreboard lights shone ever brighter, but its unforgiving clock was now running down. From one surging left-flank move, Archy Taylor's fierce shot struck the post. Then, with seven minutes left, the same player drilled a low cross from the right, Alexander controlled it with back to goal, then turned and arrowed his shot inside the left-hand post for 2-1.

The adrenalin was still high and the Borough legs were still full of running. Maidstone mustered two half-chances but they looked a shattered and slightly disbelieving outfit.

Into stoppage time, a long Eastbourne ball forward found Harness stranded as he tried to clear, and substitute Kai Corbett sprinted on to the free ball to rifle in Borough's third.

A week ago, Tommy had spoken of 16 cup finals, and at least eight victories required. Make that 15 and seven - but if the Sports can summon this spirit and this commitment, they can approach every one with confidence.