The second part of the Easter Bank Holiday football sees high-flying Eastbourne Borough travel to the Ray Mac for the return fixture of the Boxing Day game.
The game over the Christmas period ended in a goalless draw as Brian Dutton’s side stood up to a long trip and a stern test against one of the best-resourced sides in the league.
Eastbourne come into the side as one of six sides assured of a place in at least the play-off places and who could still win the title and automatic promotion from the Vanarama National League South.
There is still plenty to play for, for those sides at the top of the table, with one automatic spot and those in second and third going straight through to the play-off semi-finals, whereas those in fourth to seventh must play against each other to secure that semi-final place.
Eastbourne are currently in fifth place, just two points off Worthing, who currently occupy top spot, and it was those two sides who met on Good Friday.
Borough were forced to come from behind after Glen Rea had given 10-men Worthing a first half lead – Alfie Pavey levelled for the hosts in the 56th minute to share the points in the East/West Sussex derby at a sold-out ReachTV stadium.
Eastbourne Borough manager Adam Murray thought his side did enough to win the game:
Meanwhile, Salisbury’s Good Friday game was an encounter of two sides at the other end of the table, as Brian Dutton’s side travelled to Weymouth as the Whites strive to maintain their status as a Vanarama National League South side.
Weymouth, already relegated, are still playing with pride and determination, and led by two goals to nil at half time through goals from Tom Bearwish and Jake McCarthy.
Salisbury showed their fight and resilience, however, and came out in the second half to turn the game around and grab a point through goals from Ronan Silva and Josh Sommerton.
It was a second-half performance that pleased Salisbury boss, Brian Dutton:
Salisbury suffered another injury blow in the game, with Craig Fasanmade suffering a broken arm after a big clash with Weymouth’s keeper Will Buse.
With two games remaining, Salisbury have a three-point buffer over St Albans and are three points behind Enfield, who have a significantly worse goal difference compared to Salisbury and St Albans. It’s between those three sides now for who will be the fourth team relegated from the division. Welling United’s relegation was confirmed after they lost to Maidstone United on Good Friday.
This game is Salisbury’s final home league game of the season, and Salisbury FC Supporters Club will be presenting this season’s players’ awards on the pitch after the game. This will allow all supporters to show their appreciation for the commitment they have shown throughout the season. So please stay in your seats/places after the final whistle.
Buy your tickets in advance online here – https://salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/ Bars will be open from 12:30 with the ground open from 1pm.
