Match preview: Eastbourne Borough (H)

Tomorrow, Luke Garrard’s men host promotion rivals Eastbourne Borough in the Vanarama National League South, kicking off at 15:00.

Last season for the Sports

It was a tough season for the Sports, finishing 19th in the Vanarama National League South, six points clear of the drop zone. A poor first half of the season saw the club struggling in the relegation zone, which led to Adam Murray replacing Mark Beard as manager. This change turned the club’s fortunes around, and they avoided relegation.

Form guide

Adam Murray’s side are on a strong run of form, with only one loss since our last meeting in December, elevating the Sports to third in the Vanarama National League South. In their previous five games, tomorrow’s visitors have an impressive record of three wins, one draw, and one loss.

The run began with a goalless draw against Slough Town at Arbour Park. The Sports went a man down just before the hour mark, after Pierce Bird received his second yellow card. Even with 10 men, the Sussex-based side held strong under late pressure from the Rebels to share the spoils. Back-to-back wins followed against Chelmsford City and Tonbridge Angels before their only defeat in ten games, against fellow promotion hopefuls Torquay United. The Sports came away from Devon empty-handed after two late goals from Gulls’ players Sam Dreyer and Omar Mussa.

They bounced back with a win in their most recent game, hosting Hampton & Richmond. Adam Murray’s men came from behind after an early goal from the Beavers, with a brace from Jason Adigun and a third from Joshua Anifowose.

Last time we met

A late goal from Kwesi Appiah secured Wood’s 1-0 win over Eastbourne Borough, sending them into the FA Trophy Fourth Round. Eastbourne dominated possession, with Wood struggling to break out of their half, but goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore made several key saves. Despite Eastbourne’s pressure, it was our substitutes who made the difference. Tom Whelan’s perfect cross found Appiah, who controlled and finished clinically in the 80th minute. Eastbourne pressed late, but Wood held on, with Appiah nearly adding another in the dying minutes. The quality of the Wood bench ultimately proved decisive.

One to watch

George Alexander will be one to watch as he has been the Sports’ talisman this season. Joining from Chelmsford City in the summer, he is currently fourth in the 2024/25 Vanarama National League South goalscoring charts with 11 goals, including one against Wood earlier this campaign.

The Wood

Luke Garrard’s men will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after a disappointing run of recent form, which has seen Wood lose five of our previous six matches in all competitions, exit the Isuzu FA Trophy, and drop to fifth in the Vanarama National League South.

Our previous fixture was a midweek loss to Hornchurch, in a 2-1 defeat at the Hornchurch Stadium. The Urchins went into the break two goals ahead, with goals from Tom Wraight and Angelo Balanta. Even after an improved second-half performance, including a goal from Junior Dixon in the 78th minute, Wood couldn’t level the score and travelled back from East London with nothing to show for it.

Pre-match interview

Ticket information

Ticket information for tomorrow afternoon’s fixture can be found here.

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