Chris Agutter’s side come into the fixture in fine form in the National League South, having picked up 13 points out of a possible 15 to close out 2024.
Last time out, they defeated Dorking Wanderers at Meadowbank on Boxing Day. Glen Rea opened the scoring with a header 12 minutes in, but the Reds were pegged back 15 minutes later when Jason Prior converted from close range. It was a dramatic end to the first half which saw Nicky Wheeler score a goal-of-the-season contender, before Matt Briggs was sent off for pushing Kane Wills into the advertising boards. The second half was a cagey affair, but the Rebels held on for a crucial three points.
It’s a result that moved them to within just two points of top spot, despite sitting 5th in the league table at the halfway stage in terms of matches played.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Eastbourne Borough are just two points behind the Rebels in 8th, with tomorrow’s encounter looking set to be another close contest.
Team News
Tommy Willard has had another setback as he looks to recover from a thigh injury and is unavailable for tomorrow’s encounter.
Alfie Young’s knee injury will keep the defender out for the whole of January, Chris Agutter confirmed, with the full extent of the injury still to be confirmed.
Jack Spong and Mo Faal are doubtful with the pair both dealing with ankle knocks. A further assessment will be made on both players ahead of kick-off tomorrow afternoon.
View from the Camp – Chris Agutter
“We’re positive, but we’re not deluded. What’s exciting is that there is a feeling that we’re nowhere near where we want to be, but we’ve kept putting points on the board despite being short of our best.
“We know that we need to improve, but sometimes you have to just find a way and credit to the players for the way they have managed to do that.
“They are a very well-organised side and are very well led by Adam Murray. They’re a big, powerful side that are effective from set pieces and they do the basics very well. It will be a really tough test”.
The Opposition
The 2024/25 season has seen the Sports challenge at the top end of the table. Currently placed 8th, Adam Murray’s side are just 4 points behind league leaders Torquay United, in what is a highly congested top half of the table.
Recent results have seen the Sports put a run of four unbeaten matches together, with wins over Bognor Regis Town in the Sussex Senior Cup and Weston-super-Mare in the National League South as part of the run.
Last Six
26/12 – Salisbury (H) – Drew 0-0
21/12 – Weston-super-Mare (A) – Won 0-1
14/12 – Hornchurch (H) – Drew 1-1
10/12 – Bognor Regis Town (H) – Won 2-1 (Sussex Senior Cup)
07/12 – Boreham Wood (A) – Lost 1-0 (FA Trophy)
30/11 – Chesham United (A) – Drew 0-0
Previous Meetings
The Rebels have won each of their last four encounters with Eastbourne Borough, which includes a festive double over their Sussex rivals in the National League South last season. A 3-0 home win on Boxing Day was followed by a 4-0 win at Priory Lane last season, thanks to goals from Ollie Pearce, Nicky Wheeler, Ricky Aguiar and Joan Luque.
A summary of our results against tomorrow’s opponents is shown below:
| Competition | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Scored | Conceded |
| FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sussex Senior Cup | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| National League South | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| Sussex Floodlight Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Friendly | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 9 |
| Total | 18 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 31 | 23 |
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for tomorrow’s match. Prices are as follows:
- Adults: £17
- Concession: £13
- Under-16: £7
- Under-12: £4
- Under-6: Free entry
Travel & Directions
We encourage visitors to travel to the ground by public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion and emissions.
Parking is available on local streets but please check parking restrictions and respect our neighbours by not blocking driveways.
How to Follow
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official Twitter account. You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
