Eastbourne and Oxford share the points in the battle for play off spots

Jack Metcalfe

Eastbourne Borough came into the match with three wins and one loss from their previous four games with the loss coming in their previous game to Tonbridge Angels. Oxford City came into the game with three draws and one win in their last four games. Their most recent game was a 0-0 against Braintree Town. The lineup changed drastically for Eastbourne Borough as Worgan came in for Seymour, Dickenson came in for Perez, captain Walker came in for Hutchinson and Remy replaced Adeji - Hersey. Humphrey - Ewers for Lolos was Oxford's only change from their most recent game.

Eastbourne were the dominant side in the first half and took the lead within 10 minutes. It was Chris Whelpdale who got the goal, bagging his third goal in the league this season. He tapped the ball into the goal after it crashed off the post.

Borough continued to test Dudzinski’s goal and had a golden chance to put themselves two goals in front. Charlie Walker nicked the ball of the Oxford City keeper and had an open goal to aim at. He lost his balance though and shot wide.

That was half time and Eastbourne Borough went into the break 1-0 up.

Oxford City were the ones on the front foot in the second half but against the run off play Eastbourne Borough won a penalty.

Shiloh Remy stepped up for Borough but it was stopped by Oxford City goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski.

That moment cost Eastbourne massively as Oxford City almost instantly equalized through Joe Laciofano.

He latched onto a cross sent in by Williams Bushell at the back post. That was the attackers second goal in the league this season.

For the last 25 minutes both teams had chances but neither were able to convert what they had.

Laciofano had the ball in the net for the second time in the game but it was ruled out moments later as the linesman flagged for offside.

Both teams go away with a point each and will battle throughout the season against each other for a place in the play-offs.

Eastbourne Borough manager Danny Bloor spoke after. Here is what he has to say about the game: “They’re a great side. If you told me that we’d had four points against them at the start of the season I’d be really happy. I felt we dominated in the first half and we should have been more than one goal up. Oxford came out in the second half and were the much better side. But I’m pleased to get the point. I’m satisfied.” When asked about the difference from his side's performance today compared to the loss at Tonbridge he said: “When you’ve got players back then it’s always good.”

After the game Oxford City manager Ross Jenkins gave his opinion on the match. Here is what he had to say: “I would say I’m happy with the points. In the first half we looked leggy and it took us a while to get going, which is unlike us. But they came out in the second half a different animal. We could have done better on certain occasions but Eastbourne are a good team so I’ll take the point.”