Simon Leslie: Something special is building at Eastbourne Borough

You can feel it around the club, hear it from the terraces and, most importantly, see it in the faces of the players and supporters. The energy is back, the smiles are back and the magic of the cup continues.

Last Saturday was one of those afternoons that reminds you why we all love football. A pitch more suited to ducks than footballers, tired legs, plenty of drama and a penalty shootout that will live long in the memory.

And then there was Lewis Carey, our Octopus Energy MoM, who produced one of the most extraordinary goalkeeping performances I've seen in a long time. Saving four out of five penalties is an incredible achievement, but it wasn't just the shootout. Lewis made some wonderful saves throughout the game, particularly as legs grew heavier and conditions became more difficult. He was simply magnificent.

Of course, this was another tremendous team performance, with players fighting for each other, refusing to give up and finding a way to win. There's a real togetherness about this group now, and it's wonderful to watch.

I also want to talk about our travelling supporters, who have been absolutely incredible. Week after week, mile after mile, you turn up, sing your hearts out and give these players that little bit extra when they need it most. Saturday was no different, and despite the dreadful conditions, you never stopped. I genuinely believe you make a difference, and I know the players feel the same.

Then came Tuesday evening and another trip, this time to Maldon & Tiptree, where we battled our way to a hard-fought 2–1 victory. It wasn't always pretty, but winning football matches isn't always about playing beautiful football. Sometimes it's about digging deep, showing character and finding a way to get the job done. Craig Eastman was our Octopus Energy MoM and thoroughly deserved the recognition.

And what about the 65 Eastbourne supporters who made the journey on a five hour round trip on a Tuesday night, singing from beginning to end? That is incredible support, and I cannot tell you how much it means to me, the management and the players. You are something special.

That win on Tuesday made it 12 victories from our past 13 matches, with only the defeat to high-flying Salisbury interrupting what has been an extraordinary run. Quite remarkable when you think about where we were just a few weeks ago.

And now, finally, we're coming home!

It's been a strange October, with just one home game all month. We've spent so much time on the road I'm beginning to forget what Priory Lane looks like.

But tomorrow, we welcome Ramsgate for a 3pm kick-off, before Stanway Rovers visit us on Tuesday evening. Two home games in quick succession, and a wonderful chance for everyone to get back together.

And there's more good news. We've drawn Chertsey Town at home in the next round of the FA Trophy. Finally, a home cup tie! After all those miles on the road, I think we've earned one, and what a wonderful opportunity to bring more cup magic back to Priory Lane.

Steve King deserves enormous credit for the way he's managed the squad, keeping everyone fresh, hungry and desperate to get on the pitch. You can see the difference in the way the players perform, the way they celebrate together and the impact the subs are making. There's competition for places, belief in the dressing room and a real sense that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

But what excites me most is the feeling around the club. The energy and the love are back, and the Borough faithful are beginning to believe again.

Football is a funny old game. A few weeks can change everything; suddenly disappointment and frustration give way to excitement, optimism and that wonderful feeling of looking forward to the next match.

We've been through plenty together over the past few years, some wonderful highs and some painful lows, but I've always believed that if you keep working, keep caring and surround yourself with good people, something special can happen. And I think we're starting to see a little bit of that magic now.

So please, get down to Priory Lane tomorrow, bring your friends and family and cheer your lungs out. These players have given us plenty to smile about recently, and now it's our chance to show them how much it means to us. There's something special building and I want as many people as possible to be part of it.