The Peacocks are back in action in the Vanarama National League South tomorrow afternoon (30th September) when they welcome Eastbourne Borough to Wordsworth Drive in a rearranged game, ko 3.00pm
With the sides otherwise poised to face a weekend of inactivity, the fixture has been brought forward from next March to fill the gap due to them both having been knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup at the first attempt after Town lost to Merthyr while Borough went down by a single goal at home to League rivals Worthing.
Tomorrow’s visitors have undergone some sweeping changes since the end of last season when they finished in 8th spot, one place outside the play-off zone. Over the summer they were bought by new owner Simon Leslie and promptly announced a switch to full time status. A new manager was also appointed in the shape of former Sheffield United and Southend United midfielder Mark Beard who has reshaped the squad with a swathe of signings. Such wholesale changes may explain their undistinguished start as the new team beds in, three wins and five defeats from their opening ten games leaving them in 17th position. After an opening day victory, Borough then went five League games without a win during August but have steadied during the past month, with just a loss at Yeovil, two wins and a draw at home to Welling United in their most recent outing last weekend.
Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Havant & Waterlooville maintained 5th place but with all the sides above them on FA Cup duty tomorrow, a win over Eastbourne would elevate Town to the top of the table for the first time ever. The Peacocks welcome back captain Nick Grimes following a one game suspension while Cameron Evans and Dave Sims-Burgess have recovered from knocks and also return to the squad. Summer recruit Callum Dolman is still absent though with a foot complaint. Head of Football Rob Dray said:” Another full time side with big aspirations visit us and we thank them for coming down for this rescheduled fixture. Consistency as a group is key and although we have started well I believe we have another gear to go. Only one defeat from the first ten games is a real achievement in what is a very tough league and tomorrow will be no different so we will again need to apply ourselves over the entire 90 minutes.”
Matchday Information
Turnstiles, Bars, Club Shop and Refreshment Outlets open at 1.00pm
Matchday tickets are available to purchase in advance online HERE
Admission is also payable by card or cash at the turnstile, priced at £14 for Adults, £11 for Concessions (state pensioners & Students with ID), £5 for Youth (13-18 years), £2 for Juniors (6-12 years). Children aged under 6 are free with paying adult.
Printed Match Programmes will be available to purchase tomorrow from the Club Shop.
The programme is also available to read online HERE
Match commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: after the Peacocks won the first ever meeting between the sides last season by a 3-0 margin in early February, the Sussex side gained revenge on 28th February with a 2-1 victory at Wordsworth Drive. Ollie Chamberlain gave the Peacocks a first half lead before two goals from Luke Pearce after the break secured the points. Relive the match highlights HERE