The Rise of The Sports!

[itsBilly]

View attachment 431387
September 2015

Results

Johnstone's Paint Trophy 1st Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Crawley Town
Tom Beere (71)

A well earned victory over League 1 Crawley. We capitalised on their poor start to the season and grinded out a 1-0 win to set up a second round tie against Stevenage.

Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Northampton

Northampton had started the league fantastically, and they continued their good form against us. A dodgy offside call for the second goal broke us, and the third come shortly after. We'll look to move on quickly from this one.

Eastbourne Borough 3-2 York City
Chris Sheppard (36)
Max Wheeler (70)
Tom Beere (80)

We needed a win here and it looked for a long time that we weren't going to get it. York equalised twice but Tom Beere's volley won us the match and a vital three points for our morale.

AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jason Prior (64)

Super-sub Jason Prior come off the bench to salvage a point for us away to Wimbledon with his third goal of the season for him. Our defence was very solid today, and goalkeeper James Beasant made some great saves to deny Wimbledon.

Port Vale 0-4 Eastbourne Borough
Patrick Kanyuka (19)
Jeff Goulding (46, 59, 73)

Before today, Port Vale were sitting in 2nd, unbeaten so far in the league, so today's performance was completely unbelievable. A second half hat-trick from Jeff Goulding was a fantastic highlight in a flawless performance all round.

Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Barnet
Nathan Rooney (38 pen)

Nathan Rooney's first goal for the club seals a very hard fought win against Edgar Davids' Barnet side, who have been struggling in the early weeks of this season. Jeff Goudling was fouled in the box to win the penalty that ultimately won the game. For the second game in a row, our defence was in top form, grinding out another clean sheet.

-------------------------

League Position: 5th (20 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (7 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

The big man has really settled in well, and a sensational hat-trick against Port Vale capped off a good month for him. Although he failed to get on the score sheet in other games, he did manage to create chances for others to finish.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading!! Comments appreciated.
I've played up until December over the weekend, so I'll write it all up today!
Stick around!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 431386
October 2015

Results

Eastbourne Borough 2-2 Scunthorpe
Chris Sheppard (83 pen)
Jeff Goulding (86)

What looked like a long afternoon, and three point lost, was eventually rescued in a great late salvage. Jeff Goulding was the thorn in Scunthorpe's side, winning the penalty and netting the equaliser just 3 minutes later to earn us a point.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2nd Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-3 Dagenham & Redbridge
Morten Knudsen (61)

A disappointing evening sees us knocked out of the Paint trophy. Young goalkeeper Shane Stacey made his debut, and it was one to forget as he conceded three against Dagenham. Left-back Morten Knudsen did give the fans something to cheer, but it was too late by then to salvage anything from the match.

Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Bury
Liam Triggs (18)
Dominic Iorfa (25 o.g)
Nathan Rooney (83)

Back to the league, and back to winning ways, although it was very nerve racking. A second half overload from Bury saw them mount a 2 goal comeback. But substitute Nathan Rooney netted his second of the season to win it for us with seven minutes left.

Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goulding (17)
Jero Sodje (50)

Sensational counter-attacking performance as we steal a win against Plymouth. Jeff Goulding got back on the scoresheet with his 9th of the season, and it was rounded off with a cool finish from young winger Jero Sodje. Three well-deserved points.

Dagenham & Borough 4-0 Eastbourne Borough

Nothing beautiful about this one as we are knocked back down to earth by Dagenham & Redbridge for the second time this month. Revenge for the cup defeat was not enough to motivate us as the goals flew in for the home side today. Chris Sheppard missed a penalty in the 5th minute that would of made it a very different game.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Oxford United
Jason Prior (71)

This game was shrouded by a horrific injury to Kyran Wiltshere, who suffered a broken ankle in the 11th minute. Once the game got back running, it was Oxford who were the dominant side. However, a volley from sub Jason Prior rescued a point to end a bad afternoon for us.

Colchester 0-0 Eastbourne Borough

Colchester were top of the league going into this one, so I was delighted to keep a clean sheet. We played perfect defensive tactics, and were unlucky not to steal a win here as Jeff Golding hit the post in the final 5 minutes.

--------------------------------

League Position: 5th (29 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (9 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

It was difficult this month, as there were no real outstanding performers. However, two goals this month and another assist means the prize goes to Jeff Goulding again.

--------------------------------

November & December still to come!

​

 

[Pinadiku]

What tactic have you been using?

I have tried 3 times now to play with The Sports in this FM14, as i always have a save where i try to bring the to the Premier league, but i failed on the 3 saves! even was sacked in 1 of them....

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 431381
November 2015

Results

View attachment 431378
FA Cup 1st Round
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Oldham Athletic
Jeff Goulding (12)

Almost 4000 cram into Priory Lane to watch us begin another FA Cup run. Our opposition today was struggling League 1 side Oldham, and wee added to the woes when Jeff Goulding netted his 10th of the season in the 12th minute. A well earned win sees us progress into Round 2; a home tie against Swindon.

Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Burton Albion
Patrick Kanyuka (44)
Max Wheeler (89)

Back to the league, and we made short work of Burton Albion today. We controlled the match, and pressing at the end of each half resulted in 2 goals for us and three points.

Accrington Stanley 1-3 Eastbourne Borough
Evan Horwood (8 o.g)
Chris Sheppard (60 pen)
Max Wheeler (90+3)

Everything that could go wrong, did today for Accrington. They find themselves bottom of the pack, and in a real relegation battle this season, and an own goal in the opening 10 minutes was the last thing they needed. One penalty and one sending off later, 10 man Accrington finally fell to a sensational free kick from Max Wheeler in injury time.

Eastbourne Borough 3-0 Torquay
Jeff Goulding (26 pen)
Tim Waddington (36)
Alex Rodman (48)

We show our dominance this season with this emphatic win over mid-table Torquay. Tim Waddington scored his first goal of the season, but it was blown away by a sensational 34 yard free kick by Alex Rodman; his first goal for the club.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Chesterfield
Jeff Goulding (17)

We can't end the month with a win, but a draw was the fair result in this one. We were dominant in the first half, but Chesterfield controlled the second, and a were reall lucky to only concede 1 goal.

---------------------------

In Other News...

View attachment 431368
Rangers manager Ally McCoist has become, somewhat, part of the furniture at Priory Lane, having been spotted at the ground on numerous occassions over the last two months. Rumours suggest he is scouting Max Wheeler, although no formal offer has been put in for the in-form midfielder.

Youngsters Gareth Edge (GK), Jide McMannus (DM) & Stacy Gatting (ST) have all joined Bedford on loan in their quest to avoid relegation from the Skrill South.

Club Captain Gethin Jones has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

-------------------------------

League Position: 4th (39 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (12 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Patrick Kanyuka

A goal for Patrick this month, and three fantastic clean sheets give him the POTM award.

-------------------------------

December still coming!​

 

[itsBilly]

What tactic have you been using?

I have tried 3 times now to play with The Sports in this FM14, as i always have a save where i try to bring the to the Premier league, but i failed on the 3 saves! even was sacked in 1 of them....

I just use a simple 4-4-1-1. I think it is the morale of the players that keeps me going. And I switch between a Counter & Attacking philosphy at different points in matches to try catch the team out.

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 431357
December 2015

Results
View attachment 431356
FA Cup 2nd Round
Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Swindon
Jason Prior (34)
Chris Sheppard (46)
Austin Eaton (63)
Patrick Kanyuka sent off (85)

For the second season running, we have made it to the 3rd round of the FA Cup! Another League 1 side were unable to beat us, but Swindon gave it one **** of a go. Austin Eaton scored the eventual winner just after the hour mark, but Swindon continued to press. Patrick Kanyuka was sent off for a last man challenge that actually stopped a clear chance and won us the game. We will now play Championship leaders Blackburn Rovers in the 3rd round.

Hartlepool 4-0 Eastbourne Borough

Unbelievable Jeff! A terrible performance that sees Hartlepool jump us in the league. Best we just get on with it and forget about this one as soon as possible.

Morecambe 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Chris Sheppard (8)

We grind out an away win after Chris Sheppard's 5th goal of the season gave us an early lead. Relegation threatened Morecambe showed no real threat to us, a result we needed to get back on track after the Hartlepool game.

Grimsby Town 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Max Wheeler (73)

We really should have won this one, with chance after chance being squandered by misfiring striker Ben Maund. A draw was probably a fair result following our poor attacking performance.

Wycombe 2-2 Eastbourne Borough
Jason Prior (15)
Jeff Goulding (90+1)

That is what football is all about! Just as it looked like Wycombe would be climbing out of the relegation zone, Jeff Goulding storms in to ruin the party and score a last minute equaliser. We were unlucky in conceding both goals, but a tight schedule meant we had to rest some key players.

---------------------------

League Position: 5th (44 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (13 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jason Prior

He has had to be patient, with Jeff Goulding smashing in the goals, Jason sits on the bench most games. But he was vital in our results against Swindon & Wycombe, scoring two important goals.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading! Finally back up to date!
January sees us face title hopefuls Southend & Rochdale, as well the visit of Blackburn in the FA Cup.
Stick around! Comments appreciated.

​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430989
January 2016

Results
View attachment 430988
FA Cup 3rd Round
Eastbourne Borough 2-3 Blackburn Rovers
Chris Sheppard (34 pen)
Ruben Rochina (69 o.g)

What a game! So close this year to a major upset. We performed admirable against the Championship leaders, and took a deserved lead twice in the game; first from the spot, and then from a deflected Adam Watts Header. In the end, the combination of on-loan Gunner Ryan Gauld, and a terrible penalty decision that left the FA silenced when criticised, was enough to see us off.

Eastbourne Borough 2-4 Rochdale
William Edjenguele (29 og)
Chris Sheppard (79 pen)

Two goals in the last 10 minutes strengthened Rochdale's title hopes in the tough to take result. We were strong up until the final 10, when Rochdale capitalised on us pressing high to try and win the match. All-in-all, a bad day at the office.

Southend 2-0 Eastbourne Borough

Like Rochdale, Southend were also in the mix for the title, and showed us exactly why. They completely run us off the park and came away with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Eastbourne Borough 3-2 Shrewsbury
Alex Rodman (8)
Chris Sheppard missed penalty (27)
Jeff Goulding (47)
Adam Watts (69)

Much better performance from the team! This result couldn't have come at a better time, as it was a much needed confidence boost, even if Chris Sheppard missed from the spot.

Northampton 3-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goudling (8)

We started this one very well, with Jeff Goulding netting inside 8 minutes, and we were able to hold off until half-time. But a second half fightback from Northampton sees them overtake us in the league. Another disappointing defeat

York City 3-3 Eastbourne Borough
Max Wheeler (37)
Chris Sheppard (64, 81)

We cannot catch a break this month. We had to squander a draw here against midtable York. Defensively we were terrible, and it has made me question certain individuals performances within the team. Chris Sheppard rescued the draw with a stunning second half brace.

------------------------------

League Position: 7th (48 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (15 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Chris Sheppard

Chris netted 4 goals this month, two from the spot, and was outstanding despite our results. He also picked up two assists against Blackburn and Shrewsbury to win him this months award.

------------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

What a terrible month, but it has got most of the tough games out of the way meaning we can focus on picking up points against the smaller teams!

February sees Wimbledon, Luton & play-off hopefuls Port Vale visit Priory Lane, and will be up later on today!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430975
February 2016

Results

Eastbourne Borough 5-2 Wimbledon
Jeff Goulding (1, 28, 40, 72)
Morten Knudsen (8)

What a way to get back on track! Jeff Goulding breaks the club record for goals scored in one game with a stunning display. Morten Knudsen scored the second of the game on his 100th appearance for Eastbourne, a true servant to the club.

Barnet 2-3 Eastbourne Borough
Max Wheeler (29)
Nathan Rooney (61)
Adam Watts (77)

We pile the pressure on 20th place Barnet with a sensational 2nd half comeback! Adam Watts' header eventually won it for us, making up for his poor defensive performance today.

Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Luton
Jeff Goulding (22)

This game had been postponed twice due to weather conditions but it finally took place, and we wish it never had come. Luton scrapped for their survival in this league and caused a huge upset with Mark Cullen scored a brace. The result has left many questions over some players performances and whether or not they should be part of my plans. There were some injury problems, as both Simon Maybury & Alex Rodman were hit with hamstring injuries to keep the out for up to 6 weeks.

Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Port Vale

The last time we met Port Vale, we came away with a 4-0 win. This one had no signs it would be the same. A point earned against fellow play-off hopefuls is acceptable. Port Vale's Matthew Etherington came closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the crossbar, but it wasn't to be.

Scunthorpe 2-2 Eastbourne Borough
Patrick Kanyuka (42)
Jason Prior (84)

Another poor draw, but we did fantastically well to come back from two goals down. Patrick Kanyuka went from villian to hero, giving away a penalty before scoring the first goal. Substitute Jason Prior come on to rescue a point. We were terribly unlucky not to win this one, with our players hitting the post 3 times.

------------------------

League Position: 8th (56 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (20 goals)
Club Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

5 goals in 5 games for the big man take his tally to 20 and secure valuable points this month. Jeff also picked up the League 2 Player of the Month award.

--------------------------
Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

A good month was what we needed after January, but a disappointing defeat & two draws mean we dropped some vital points. March is another tough month, with promotion hopefuls Colchester, Dagenham & Redbridge & Plymouth all visit Priory Lane, as well as a tough game away to Oxford.

Stick around! March should be up tomorrow.
​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430499
March 2016

Youth Intake

View attachment 430503
View attachment 430502View attachment 430501View attachment 430500

Once again our annual youth intake day brings some new young talent to the club. ​Michael Loftus and Jerome Bridcutt could become useful defenders. But it is Cameron Gooda that I am excited about. His fantastic determination and work rate show that he could develop into a great player.

Results

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Plymouth
Max Wheeler (48)

A disappointing result today as we through away a hard fought lead. Max Wheeler scored a great volley to open the scoring, but we couldn't hold onto it for 90 minutes, with Plymouth scoring with just 2 minutes remaining.

Bury 2-3 Eastbourne Borough
Jason Prior (12)
Chris Sheppard (31
Jeff Goulding (75)

Our first win in almost a month! Jeff Goulding reacted brilliantly to being dropped by scoring off the substitutes bench. Jason Prior took his chance as well, opening the scoring. More defensive problems though as Bury pegged us back twice.

Oxford 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goulding (18)

Although I would have preferred a win, a draw was a great result. It means that Oxford don't gain ground on us in the race for the play-offs. A boring second half meant that nobody could brake the deadlock.

Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Colchester
Nathan Rooney (42)

Sensational win for us against 3rd place Colchester. Nathan Rooney's 4th of the season wins it for us. A rare clean sheet is a glimmer of hope for a good run-in.

Eastbourne Borough 2-1 Accrington Stanley
Jeff Goulding (46, 84)

A second half brace from Jeff Goulding against relegation threatened Accrington Stanley strengths our promotion hopes. Results elsewhere means that we are now just 5 points off an automatic promotion spot.

Burton Albion 0-2 Eastbourne Borough
Austin Eaton (23)
Chris Sheppard (38)

Burton sit comfortably mid-tabe with nothing to play for, and thats how they played today. A great first half performance saw off The Brewers and moves us up into 5th!

--------------------------

League Position: 5th (70 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (24 goals)
Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

Another good month for the big forward with 4 goals, including winners against Accrington & Bury.

--------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

An undefeated month! Although the title is out of reach, automatic promotion is far from it. We are 5 points off Colchester in 3rd, with a game in hand. April sees the season come to an end with ties against Dagenham & Redbridge, Hartlepool & Chesterfield!

April to come either tomorrow or Friday. Not sure how much playing time i'm gonna have over the next couple days.
​

 

[StephenAFC]

Great story, but I'm still in shock after seeing that Ian Holloway is the Gunners boss.

 

[itsBilly]

Great story, but I'm still in shock after seeing that Ian Holloway is the Gunners boss.

I know the feeling I'm a Gunner myself
He's actually done alright. He took over Steve Clarke at West Brom in the first season, won back to back FA Cups & beat Man U in the Community Shield aha!
He's not doing too bad at Arsenal as well this season

 

[StephenAFC]

I know the feeling I'm a Gunner myself
He's actually done alright. He took over Steve Clarke at West Brom in the first season, won back to back FA Cups & beat Man U in the Community Shield aha!
He's not doing too bad at Arsenal as well this season

Good to hear.

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430447
April 2016

Results

Torquay 2-2 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goulding (13)
Martin Riley (88)

We start the month against another comfortably mid-table side. Torquay were by far the better team and we were lucky to steal a draw here. Martin Riley has put in some questionable performances this season, but he scored the all important goal that could be worth everything to our season.

Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
Chris Sheppard (57)

We finally got to play this one following several postponements. Chris Sheppard scored his 12th of the season to put one foot firmly in the play-offs.

Eastbourne Borough 1-1 Hartlepool
Jeff Goulding (55)

Hartlepool fans had pretty much ruled out hope of a play-off spot, and a draw against us confirmed that. The players on the other hand still had hope and fought very hard for this one. Jeff Goulding gave us th lead but we were pegged back very quickly.

Chesterfield 4-0 Eastbourne Borough

Ouch! A real blow to morale as we're defeated very heavily. On the bright side, results elsewhere confirm that we will be in the play-offs this season. Automati promotion is all but ruled out, with us needing Colchester & Port Vale to loose their last two matches.

Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Morecambe
Jero Sodje (5)

With the play-offs confirmed, I gave some of the younger stars a run out, and Jero Sodje scored his 2nd of the season in the opening 5 minutes. Morecambe were sensational today and fought very hard for a deserving win. This result means that Morecambe climb out of the relegation zone, and only need a point in their final gae to stay up.

Eastbourne Borough 1-2 Grimbsy Town
Jeff Goulding (9)

It was a defensive disaster today as two own goals from Adam Watts & Liam Triggs gifted Grimsby a win here. Another disappointing defeat puts us in bad form leading into the play-offs.

--------------------------

League Position: 6th (75 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (26 goals)
Player of the Month: Jeff Goulding

Another 3 goals this month for Jeff, who has been outstanding all season.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

We did it! We made the play-offs and a third straight promotion is in our sight. I will post seperate updates for the play-offs before doing an end of season review either tonight or tomorrow.

We face off against Rochdale in the play-off semi final, with Port Vale playing Hartlepool.​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430403
May 2016

Results

League 2 Play-off Semi Final: Leg 1
Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Rochdale
Chris Sheppard (16 pen)

One foot in the final with a scrappy win in the first leg. Chris Sheppard proved calm from the spot to give us a 1 goal advantage heading to Rochdale. A clean sheet is a good advantage as well.

League 2 Play-off Semi Final: Leg 2
Rochdale 2-1 Eastbourne Borough
Chris Sheppard (41 pen)

Eastbourne win 5-4 on penalties

We are through to the play-off final!! A mistake from Liam Triggs allowed Rochdale to score an 87th minute equaliser, but it was written in the stars that Chris Sheppard would win score the decisive penalty, after scoring from the spot in both legs.

View attachment 430376

League 2 Play-off Final
Port Vale 0-1 Eastbourne Borough
Jeff Goulding (96)

51,000 fans turned up to Wembley for the final. They had to wait a terribly long time, but the deadlock was finally broken in extra time, when Jeff Goulding nodded his 28th goal of the season to win the tie, and secure us promotion to League 1!

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH PROMOTED TO LEAGUE 1

----------------------------

League Position: 6th (75 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jeff Goulding (28 goals)
Player of the Season: Jeff Goulding

The big striker led the line fantastically all season, netting 28 in all competitions, including the winner in the play-off final.

-----------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

I can't believe it! Great performances in the play-offs. Just a shame we couldn't have won these kind of matches in the league and gained automatic promotion, but I'm not complaining.

An end of season review, and possibly a summer pre-season update will come tomorrow!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 430293
2015/16 Season Review


View attachment 430292
Chelsea retained their Premiership crown, tipping Man Utd to the top. Heartache for Liverpool fans as they miss out on Europe. Leicester drop straight back down to the Championship, along with Cardiff & West Ham.

View attachment 430289
Paul Ince led Reading back to the Premiership for the first time since 2012. Blackburn return back to the Premiership, with Wigan winning the play-offs. At the other end, Ipswich were relegated to the 3rd tier of English football for the first time since 1957!

View attachment 430286
Rotherham come up under everyone's noses to win League 1. Coventry were leading the pack for 3/4s of the season, but fell off the boil and lost in the play-offs.

View attachment 430285
Southend were crowned champions of League 2. Eastbourne continue their climb up the divisions with their 3rd straight promotion. At the other end, heartache for Luton and Accrington Stanley.

View attachment 430284View attachment 430283
Roberto Martinez picked Man City's poor season up with an FA Cup win against Chelsea.
Ian Holloway finally ended Arsenal's 11 year wait for a trophy, by winning their first League Cup since 1993.

View attachment 430282View attachment 430281
In Europe, Bayern Munich proved once again they are Europe's best, beating compatriots Borussia Dortmund in the final of the Champion's League.
It was a Europa League final to remember, but not for Arsenal fans. After a fantastic cup run, it was ended by arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

-----------------------------

Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain & AC Milan all retained their domestic league titles.
In Germany, Hannover 96 pipped Bayern & Dortmund to their first championship since 1954!

--------------------------

Club News

Jeff Goulding picked up the League 2 Top Goalscorer award, but contract talks with the 32 year old have broken down, and he has unfortunately been set for release by the club.

The Eastbourne Borough board have announced plans to increase the stadium capacity by 2000, and to also relay the pitch ​over the summer.​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 429456
2016/17 Season Preview


Transfers
View attachment 429453

In: Jamal Fyfield becomes our record transfer with his switch from Salisbury. Former Gunners Jordan Wynter & Jodey Lovegrove sign to add some skill into the squad.

Out: Kerrea Gilbert's poor performances last season didn't warrant a contact extension. Sam Cole's contract demands were far too high for a player of his standard, leading to his release.

Squad

Goalkeepers
View attachment 429450View attachment 429449View attachment 429447
James Beasant / Jack McClaren / Shane Stacey

Defenders
Centerbacks
View attachment 429445View attachment 429444View attachment 429443View attachment 429442
Patrick Kanyuka / Adam Watts / Martin Riley / Kayode Bola

Fullbacks
View attachment 429440View attachment 429439View attachment 429438View attachment 429437
Liam Triggs / Morten Knudsen / Jamal Fyfield / Chris O'Neill

Midfielders
Center Midfielders
View attachment 429435View attachment 429434View attachment 429433View attachment 429432
Kyran Wiltshere / Nathan Rooney / Jordan Wynter / Austin Eaton

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers
View attachment 429431View attachment 429430View attachment 429429View attachment 429428
Max Wheeler / Chris Sheppard / Alex Rodman / Tom Beere

Strikers
View attachment 429426View attachment 429425View attachment 429424
Jeff Goulding / Jason Prior / Jodey Lovegrove

------------------------------

Club News

- Plans to extend Priory Lane have been delayed until the end of next season meaning the club will play its football at Newhaven's ground.

- Striker Jeff Goulding made a dramatic u-turn in his contract talks and decided to stay with the club

- I was offered the manager's job at Fleetwood Town, but rejected it.

- The club's link with Coventry City has been terminated due to the two teams competing in the same league.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading! I will post an August update tomorrow!
​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 429422
August 2016

Friendly Results

Eastbourne 0-4 Birmingham
Dover 1-2 Eastbourne
Eastbourne 0-2 Tottenham U21's
Hendon 1-4 Eastbourne
Ebbsfleet 2-0 Eastbourne

Results

Colchester 1-1 Eastbourne
Jodey Lovegrove (25)

A late equaliser from Colchester stopped us from starting the season with a win. A great goal from new boy Jodey Lovegrove had given us the lead, but we couldn't hold onto it. Jordan Wynter picked up an injury ruling him out for up to 6 weeks.

Capital One Cup 1st Round
Ipswich 3-2 Eastbourne
Jamal Fyfield (66)
Patrick Kanyuka (75)

A debut goal from record signing Jamal Syfield sparked what was almost the perfect comeback. We were terrible in the first half but almost made up for it against a strong Ipswich side.

Eastbourne 1-1 Bradford
Jason Prior (82)

It was a pretty uneventful afternoon until the final 10 minutes. Substitute Jason Prior looked to have won the game, but Bradford countered perfectly, scoring just 2 minutes later to rescue a point.

Portsmouth 2-0 Eastbourne

Portsmouth were very strong last season and were unlucky in their play-off defeat. They showed all the signs of being a strong side this year by beating us very comfortably.

Notts County 1-2 Eastbourne
Chris Sheppard (16, 54 pen)

Chris Sheppard has been a key player in recent years, and he put in a sensational performance today. An unbelievable 35 yard free kick was the highlight of the evening.

Eastbourne 2-1 Doncaster Rovers
Jodey Lovegrove (45+1)
Martin Riley (49)

Two quick goals either side of half time was the difference today as we begin to scale the table. Doncaster were very poor, which helped us a lot.

---------------------------

League Position: 7th (8 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jodey Lovegrove/Chris Sheppard (2 goals)
Player of the Month: Martin Riley

The new club vice-captain has had some great individual performances and topped it off with a goal against Doncaster.

--------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.
Will hopefully get September played and up tomorrow.

​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 428405
September 2016

Results

Eastbourne 1-0 Swindon
Jodey Lovegrove (90+1)

That is what football is about! A dramatic late goal from Lovegrove snatches the points from Swindon in a game we did really deserve to lose. Major upset here, but our 3rd win on the bounce.

Preston North End 1-0 Eastbourne

A sensational strike from Adam McGurk was the difference here. We performed very well defensively against a strong Preston side who are going to be clear promotion hopefuls this season.

Fleetwood Town 2-1Eastbourne
Jason Prior (12)

With Jeff Goulding misfiring, Jason Prior was given another chance to lead the line, and he started fantastically! However, we crumbled in the second half and Fleetwood picked up the victory today.

Eastbourne 1-1 Yeovil
Chris Sheppard (37 pen)

Chris Sheppard's 3rd of the season gave us the lead against lead leaders Yeovil, but they continued their good form as they hit right back with a great team goal to share the spoils.

------------------------------------

League Position: 13th (12 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jodey Lovegrove/Chris Sheppard (3 goals)
Player of the Month: Jodey Lovergrove

The POTM award was tough this month, with no real outstanding performances. But Jodey Lovegrove has come in and settled pretty well, leading the line whilst Jeff Goulding tries to find his scoring boots again.

---------------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

October is a big month with 7 games! Including away ties to Coventry & Ipswich, as well as a Paint Trophy 2nd round tie against Wimbledon.

Stick around!​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 427998
October 2016

Results

Eastbourne 1-0 Cheltenham
Jordan Wynter (50)

A fantastic volley from new boy Jordan Wynter seals our first win in 4 games. Cheltenham have been struggling so far this season, but they gave us a great run for our money.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2nd Round
Eastbourne 2-1 AFC Wimbledon
Jeff Goulding (31)
Nathan Clarke (59 o.g)

Finally Jeff Goulding ends his goal drought after over 10 hours of football without a goal. He would of had two, but his header in the 2nd half deflected in for an own goal. Young goalkeeper Shane Stacey was denied a clean sheet in injury time but the game was well and truely over by then.

Coventry 3-3 Eastbourne
Jeff Goulding (8)
Jodey Lovegrove (47, 87)

No words can express my frustration, and delight, about this result. We were touted as huge underdogs for this one, but took the lead 3 times in the match. Just when it looked like our hard work would be payed off, Coventry goalkeeper Jamie McDonald joined the attack, and dived in the box to win a penalty in stoppage time. After my heavy criticism of the decision, the FA were silent.

Ipswich 0-0 Eastbourne

Another tough away tie against one of the league's big boys. Once again we showed we our no underdog and managed to walk away with a point & a clean sheet.

Eastbourne 2-3 Charlton
Jodey Lovegrove (69, 74)

We do finally crumble to one of the League's bigger teams. A shocking first half performance gave Charlton a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time. But a late push led by Jodey Lovegrove almost pulled us level, but we had really dug our own grave.

Eastbourne 1-0 Brentford
Jamal Fyfield (21)

Brentford have had a terrible start to the season, and we piled on the pressure with a solid win. Our defence put in a fantastic performance today against the strong strike partnership of Samed Yesil & Mason Bennett.

View attachment 427939
FA Cup 1st Round
Eastbourne 1-0 Macclesfield
Jeff Goulding (36)

A simple victory for us against conference side Macclesfield. Jeff Goulding's 3rd of the season was the difference as we qualify for the 2nd round.

------------------------------------

Club News

- Former vice-captain Gary Hart has joined the club as a Youth coach.

- Young defender Jerome Bridcutt has joined Tonbridge on loan till the end of the season.

- I turned down another job offer; this time with Stevenage, who currently sit 16th in League 2 following relegation last season.

------------------------------------

League Position: 13th (20 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jodey Lovegrove (7 goals)
Player of the Month: Jodey Lovegrove

4 goals this month for young Jodey Lovegrove, including two fantastic solo performances against Coventry & Charlton.

-----------------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated.

November is another busy months with 7 more games including away trips to Leyton Orient, Southend & Portsmouth in the Paint Trophy!

Stick Around

​

 

[itsBilly]

View attachment 427594
November 2016

Transfers

View attachment 427593

Eastbourne Borough have announced the signing of Republic of Ireland U21 International Tommy Hughes from Irish side Everton. The Striker has hit 21 goals this year, and will link up with the League 1 side in January.

In the backroom, Rob Hulse has joined the club as a youth coach. Hulse enjoyed a long playing career, including spells in the Premiership with West Brom, Sheffield United & QPR.

Results

Carlisle 1-2 Eastbourne
Liam Triggs (61)
Jodey Lovegrove (90)

Dramatic action in Carlisle as Jodey Lovegrove steals the win for us. Right-back Liam Triggs hit a stunning volley to level it up in the 2nd half, in which we dominated.

Eastbourne 2-1 Bristol City
Jeff Goulding (48)
Jodey Lovegrove (58)

Bristol City have been struggling in League 1 this year, and find themselves in the relegation zone. Veteran manager Mark Hughes has just taken over the side, but his experience could not lead them to victory. Another inspired team-talk at half time set up a great second half performance from our team.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy Quarter-Final
Portsmouth 3-2 Eastbourne
Aaron Lee-Barrett (34 o.g)
Jodey Lovegrove (38)

Funny how things work out. In previous games, we had been poor in the first half, but sensational in the second. In this game, it was the other way around. Two quick-fire goals gave us a 2-0 lead at the break, but Portsmouth mounted a fantastic comeback, and stole the win in the 89th minute.

Eastbourne 6-1 Walsall
Jodey Lovegrove (1)
Jeff Goulding (13, 41, 73)
Josh Hunt-Laurent (19 o.g)
Paul Downing (90+2 o.g)

Well I am speechless. The budding strike partnership of Goulding & Lovegrove proved to be unstoppable today, with Goulding netting a hat-trick, and Lovegrove scoring for the 4th consecutive match. Two own goals symbolised how poor Walsall's defence was today, but all credit goes to our attackers.

Southend 1-2 Eastbourne
Nicky Adams (17 o.g)
Chris Sheppard (75)

Once again an own goal helps us to victory, but I'm not complaining. Chris Sheppard scored his 4th of the season to give us a deserved win.

Leyton Orient 3-2 Eastbourne
Scott Doe (25 o.g)
Morten Knudsen (60)

Games can turn around in a second and it did today. A fabulous strike from Morten Knudsen loked to have a won it for us, but two very late corners allowed Leyton Orient to capitalize on our defensive issues and nick the win. More injury worries as Chris Sheppard picked up a knock that will keep him out for 4 weeks.

View attachment 427568
FA Cup 2nd Round
Coventry 2-1 Eastbourne
Jason Prior (22)

More cup heartache as we crash out of the FA cup. I had rested a few players due to our congested fixture list, and we put on a good show but Coventry were deserved winners.

Eastbourne 1-0 Tranmere
Jodey Lovegrove (56)

A net-busting shot from Jodey Lovegrove closes the month with a win. There were positives in the team selection, as Patrick Kanyuka & Jamal Fyfield both returned from injury.

-------------------------

League Position: 5th (35 points)
Top Goalscorer: Jodey Lovegrove (12 goals)
Player or the Month: Jodey Lovegrove

5 goals this month for the young striker. He has formed a great partnership with veteran Jeff Goulding, who has also been in deadly form this month.

----------------------------

Thanks for reading! Comments appreciated!

What a month. Unfortunately out of the cups, but we are riding high in league. December is another busy month which sees Portsmouth & top of the table Millwall visit Fort Road.

Stick around!

​