It’s Tuesday night football at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium for the fifth week running when the Peacocks welcome Eastbourne Borough in the Vanarama National League South tomorrow evening (28th February), ko 7.45pm.
The match represents one of Town’s games in hand, having originally been postponed last September due to the Queen’s death, and after picking up just two points from their last five fixtures, tomorrow’s game has taken on that extra bit of significance. Whilst the Peacocks remain in 17th spot at present and with at least five games in hand on the pack of sides above them, they know they can ill afford to persist with a poor run of results and get dragged into the relegation dogfight during the final two months of the campaign.
Tomorrow’s visitors Eastbourne will be travelling to Somerset looking to redress the balance after being beaten 3-0 by Town at the start of this month. Prior to that game they were handily placed in 8th position but their setback to the Peacocks seems to have set them on a downward turn, with away defeats at Dover Athletic, Hampton & Richmond Borough, and most recently Cheshunt on Saturday being interspersed with a home win over Farnborough. Borough will have their own motives to make their long trip worthwhile then as they look to rediscover the standards that have seen them win at both Ebbsfleet and Havant & Waterlooville this season.
Head of Football Rob Dray wants a reaction from his side’s weekend display against Dover, saying:” After Saturday’s disappointment we have another chance to put things right with another game at home. There is no given right at this level to win and realise we have to replicate the qualities we showed against Havant and Eastbourne a few weeks ago. We have a good bunch of lads in the squad and no-one knows more than them that they did not perform to the required level on Saturday so they will be aiming to put that right.” Ollie Chamberlain and Dan Ball are both now fully fit so may be in contention for a full start but there will be a late decision on striker Nat Jarvis who has been suffering with a hamstring issue. Lee Lucas is suspended for one match following his dismissal against Oxford City last week while it is hoped a loan extension for Torquay United defender Ollie Tomlinson will be processed in time for his inclusion. Lloyd Irish will continue in goal in place of the injured Jack Bycroft.
Matchnight Information
Turnstiles, Bar, Club Shop and Refreshment Outlets open at 6.00pm
Admission is payable by card or cash at the turnstile only, priced at £12 for Adults, £10 for Concessions and £5 for Juniors (14-17 years). Under 14’s are free on condition they are accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted.
Printed Match Programmes will be available to purchase tomorrow from the Club Shop
The programme is also available to read online HERE
We extend our grateful thanks to tomorrow’s Match Sponsors the Dalling family
We welcome our Matchnight Mascots tomorrow Bishops Lydeard Youth Under 13 Panthers
Last meeting: the sides only met for the first time at the beginning of February and it was the Peacocks who prevailed. Two second half goals from Ross Stearn including a penalty plus a peach from Dylan Morgan saw Town secure a 3-0 victory in East Sussex. Relive the Match Highlights HERE