Top of the League and averaging not far off 2 goals per game. If they press us to death, work really hard and are very direct themselves they'll force us into our lateral game ... and we all know what that means: constant cross field passing  within our own half  and cumbersome build-ups.  If we can channel our inner Hemel Hempstead, then our quality will show and they'll have to revise the "workmanlike" description.  Hopefully, we don't turn up with our Hampton & Richmond game,  where we were constantly second in the tackle and allowed H&R to bully us. If that happens again  we'll get stuffed.  I'm going for an optimistic 2-1 to us.. on the basis that the best teams often, but not always, bring out the best in us.
As regards the description of  "old"....it's an unarguable statement really. However....although we may not have the ground and facilities of many clubs at our level,  we are solvent and well -run.... worth a heap more than a new stand or electric scoreboard, I reckon... much as I would like both!

They traveled up to us this afternoon, already showing the difference in budgets.
Will be a tough one

Great stuff!  A terrific performance... everything that you could have wished for after the poor display against Hampton & Richmond.  Eastbourne  were pretty statuesque in the first half.. relying on set pieces and long throws, while we played through them to fantastic effect, especially for the first goal. Our 2nd,Luke Haines' super-looper header, did for even their very tall keeper. Eastbourne came out with a flea in their ear in the 2nd half looking more like a top 3 team and and laid siege to us,  but obligingly exposed themselves at the back.  Cue  Harry Parsons running straight through for Number 3.  We closed the game out defending intelligently... except for one mino kamikaze moment.  Great entertainment; a good referee but a slightly below par crowd at 603 ( I think) Well done everybody!

Last edited by Rambler (09/11/2024 6:22 PM)

Result says it all - a comprehensive win. Just goes to show that mixing things up is a positive in a football match. Thought we passed the ball quickly, passed the ball forward often, put crosses in the box (2nd goal), asked them questions with our movement up front, wide and in midfield and defended really well as a team - always hassling them and doing what was needed against a direct side. We also had a settled team on the pitch which no doubt helped. Hopefully this performance will set a marker going forward and we can move on from the defensive, lacklustre academy style we have previously seen. It was a good watch today.   

We were superb and never seen such an atmosphere by the bar side.

Sad to see Simon banned for life what’s all that about