Sussex teams facing huge weekend in battles to stave off relegation

After some poor results Eastbourne Borough, Littlehampton Town and Hastings United are haunted by the spectre of relegation from their respective divisions.

Borough’s plight has been well documented while Littlehampton and Hastings have quietly drifted in 2026, and other teams have been picking up. In today’s preview we peek at what’s in store come 3pm this Saturday.

Borough at the Beveree in National South

The Sports have achieved several high calibre wins on the road this season which have seen away fans dancing on the terrace.

Former boss Tommy Widderington suggested that the 5-2 win at Dover on December 20 was the best Christmas present he could have wished for.

Unfortunately, those highs have been too few and far between as just seven wins has seen them in the relegation zone all season. Tommy was recently released from his post and Robbie Blake – at least for now – has been given the task of keeping them up.

Hampton and Richmond haven’t pulled up trees themselves, currently sitting on nine wins, five points outside the drop zone. They will be buoyed by a thumping win at Bath last week and it’s a certainty they will be pulling out all the stops to widen the gap between the two clubs to 11 points.

Borough might have lost to Dorking on Tuesday night but there were huge signs of collective spirit grit and fight running right through Priory Lane. If they can call upon all of that again on Saturday then there is every chance they can pick up a much needed three points… and have that away army dancing yet again.

Marigolds Haven’t Won Since New Year’s Day

Joint Littlehampton manager Mitchell Hand was on cloud nine on New Year’s Day after his team had thumped Bognor 4-1 away from home.

He was asked if that should be the catalyst of a play-off tilt. He responded cautiously “It should, however we can’t quite find the consistency at the moment. We get a nice win but follow up with a draw or loss. It’s something we need to work on.”

Fast forward two months, Littlehampton have picked up just four points from 21 – which has left the club just one place and two points from the Isthmian south central drop zone.

The club’s proud Isthmian stay is under increasing threat so winning a ‘six pointer’ at home to Hendon this weekend is hugely important. Hendon have a rich history as a non-league club but are struggling themselves. Three consecutive losses have seen them drop into the relegation mix.

A Littlehampton win will give the whole club some breathing space as they continue to find that missing consistency.

Hastings Need to Win Derby

Hastings United are a powerhouse of East Sussex football with a proud tradition of excellence and achievement, The Pilot Field the true beating heart of the club.

Unfortunately, there has been a real slide in fortunes over the past two seasons. A relegation from Isthmian Prem into the South East raised eyebrows but now being just four points from safety is very worrying. If things don’t improve after two recent 3-0 defeats, to Deal and Three Bridges (the latter no disgrace as Bridges are clear leaders), Hastings could be in danger of dropping into the County League.

However, for all Us connections there is a huge opportunity this coming Saturday when relegation certainties East Grinstead Town make that short trip east.

EG have just one win to their credit this season and are nursing an 8-0 defeat this week.

It’s a home banker with many fans looking for a goal fest. However, the more astute will be hunting for that Hastings clean sheet and three points which will slide them away from current danger.

Saturday certainly isn’t going to be season defining for the Borough, Golds and Us – but their results will have a huge effect on club morale.

I will be on duty at The Sportsfield looking forward to watching Littlehampton take on Hendon.

For the collective good of Sussex football lets hope that all three clubs celebrate a win.