Written by: Ollie Heathcote
November, is here! What better way to start the month, than back home at The Focus Community Arena. Tomorrow afternoon, we entertain Eastbourne Borough, in what is set to be an exciting matchup between two sides competing for a spot in the top 7. Let's take a look into tomorrow's opponents, and what you can expect from the tie...
Founded: 1965
Nickname: The Sports Stadium: Priory Lane
Stadium Capacity: 3622 Manager: Adam Murray
History of The Sports
Founded in 1965, Eastbourne Borough have been on a journey throughout their history,
recently transitioning into a full-time model. Their nickname “Sports” comes from the original name in which they were founded, with Langney Sports Football Club initially competing in the Eastbourne & District Football League. After their progress up the Eastbourne & Hastings League, the Sports began to see their future outside park football. In 1983, Eastbourne became founding members of Division 3 of the Sussex County League, where they regularly progressed up the divisions. The turning point came at the end of the 2001/02 season, where Langney Sports was renamed to Eastbourne Borough, which reflected their presence across the entire town. Despite a failed attempt to achieve promotion in the 2004/05 season, they eventually reached Step 1 of the non league pyramid, beating Hampton and Richmond in the Playoff Final. Most recently, Eastbourne Borough was converted into a full-time model, which although proved challenging throughout the 2023/24 season, will look to be built upon this season.
Photo Credit: Eastbourne Borough
Last Time Out At The Focus
The last fixture at The Focus Community Arena between these two sides saw The Tudors run our narrow 1-0 winners. The game's only goal came through Tarrelle Whittaker in the 67th minute after a great run down the right hand side. The resulting cross was cut back to the oncoming Whittaker, who showed great composure to finish low into the right hand corner. Despite attempts from The Sports to level up the affair, with Craig King forced into numerous saved, The Tudors were able to secure a closely-fought victory.
Photo Credit: Club Photographer, Jemma Sear (@_PhotosByJem)
The Gaffer - Adam Murray
After the departure of Mark Beard during the 2023/24 season, Adam Murray was announced
as the manager to help push the Sports to achieve the goals set by the club. Murray comes with an impressive CV, with roles as an assistant manager for Championship side West Brom, League One Barnsley, and most recently, Cheltenham. Having currently started excellently, with Eastbourne sitting in 4th place, he will look to build on this as the Sports will look for a playoff finish at the end of the season.
Photo Credit: Eastbourne Borough
One To Watch - George Alexander
After announcing his arrival at the beginning of this season, George Alexander has shown
an outstanding run of form heading into this fixture, netting four goals in as many games for
the Sports.
Alexander began his career at Millwall, where he represented the Lions in the FA Youth Cup,
alongside his contributions to the Under 18 team. He picked up one Championship appearance, before moving to fellow South London club Bromley. After two spells at Bromley, alongside his moves to National League South sides Welling United, Slough, Dartford and Chelmsford, Alexander has continued his eye for goal, averaging a goal every two games at Chelmsford last season.
Coming into this game off the back of some fantastic form and a vital win at home to a strong
Boreham Wood side, Alexander and the Sports will be determined to continue to push up the
table.
Photo Credit: Eastbourne Borough
The Skipper - Brad Barry
Signing for the Sports at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Brad Barry is a right-sided
defender, who holds a wealth of EFL experience. After rising through Brighton and Hove Albion’s youth setup, Barry has featured for Swindon, Chesterfield, Dover, Barrow, and Stevenage prior to his arrival. Football has proved to run through Barry’s family, as he is the nephew of Premier League record appearance holder Gareth Barry. However, his experience throughout his career have helped him to craft himself into a leader, which he continues to show for Eastbourne.
Photo Credit: Eastbourne Borough
Let's make The Focus a fortress tomorrow afternoon, Tudors. See you then!
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