Simon Leslie: We wanted an Eastbourne Borough response – and got it in style under the lights
Saturday at Dartford was a day to forget for us.
On another afternoon it could have finished 6-1 to Borough, but they scored four from five shots on target and we managed one from ten. Sometimes football leaves you wondering how on earth you have lost a game like that.
Our fans, however, were amazing. You sang and sang, even when there was no way back. When you have travelled to support your team and the afternoon goes against you, that takes some doing. Thank you.
I did wonder whether the manager of the month curse had struck again! Congratulations to Steve King on his thoroughly deserved award. One difficult afternoon certainly doesn’t undo the work that earned it.
What mattered next was how the boys responded, and Tuesday evening against Dulwich Hamlet gave us plenty to be proud of.
Conceding in the second minute was hardly the start we wanted. After Saturday, it would have been easy for heads to drop. Instead, these boys worked their socks off and went into half-time 3-1 up.
The second half was harder going in the rain, but the boys stuck at it and came away with a 4-2 win. A proper response to Saturday and three very welcome points, especially as Welling dropped a couple of points down the road.
Bobby, our commentator, and I both had Liam Nash as our man of the match. Considering he has been out for so many weeks, he was amazing. It was lovely to see him back playing so well.
It was bitterly cold, too. To everyone who came out, wrapped up and got behind the team, thank you. There are certainly warmer ways to spend a Tuesday evening, and we appreciate you choosing to spend yours with us.
Tomorrow is a huge occasion as Chertsey Town visit for an FA Trophy second round tie. I would love to see a big crowd at Priory Lane helping the boys take another step in the competition. Bring a friend, bring the family and bring your voices. A few extra layers might be sensible as well!
We have also had another trophy to celebrate. Our Spirit of Football team recently paraded their first silverware in front of a packed stadium, and we are so proud of every one of them. Seeing the reception they received was a lovely moment for everyone involved.
As the weather gets more miserable, there is plenty happening indoors at the club. Padel is great fun for all ages, good exercise and, judging by everyone who has tried it, highly addictive. Come down and give it a go.
Our new simulators also let you play golf at thousands of courses, with all the excitement and no wet clothes afterwards. Both the Padel Centre and Simulator Centre make great Christmas party venues, whether you are getting together with friends, family or work colleagues.
For now, though, let’s get behind the boys tomorrow and make it another cup afternoon to remember.
Up the Sports!
Resd EBFC owner Simon Leslie’s column in the Herald and on this website throughout the season