OPPOSITION FOCUS | Eastbourne Borough (H)

Written by Alfie Robinson

The Key Info

Founded: 1965

Nickname: ‘The Sports’

Manager: Steve King

Ground: The Connect Management Stadium

Capacity: 3622

Club History:

Eastbourne Borough grew from a local parks team in the 1970s to a respected non-league club, currently playing in the National League South. The Sports are famously known for their incredible rise from ‘park football’ to full-time football, completing one of non-league’s most remarkable climbs, including reaching the Conference Premier (National League) in 2008.

In recent years, despite managerial changes and a club takeover in 2023, The Sports have remained competitive, highlighted by a “great escape” from relegation in 2023/24 and narrowly missing the National League South title in 2024/25, showing ongoing ambition to rise further.

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Manager: Steve King

Steve King is a highly experienced and successful non-league manager, best known for transforming sides across the National League South and Isthmian League. His most notable spell came at Lewes, where he achieved three promotions during his five-year spell, establishing a reputation for building competitive, attacking teams.

King took over The Sports in March 2026 during a difficult period for the club. Since his arrival, results have been challenging, limited points which lands them 24th in the table. However, his track record suggests he has the experience needed to rebuild and guide the club forward.

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Skipper: Craig Eastmond

Joined: July 2025

Position: Midfielder

Craig Eastmond became The Sports’ first signing of the 2025/26 season, bringing leadership and experience to the squad. The 34-year-old midfielder was appointed club captain at the start of the season.

A former Arsenal academy product, Eastmond made nearly 350 appearances for Sutton, captaining the side to the National League title in 2020/21 and leading them out at Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy Final. After a spell with Wealdstone, he made the move to the south coast to add valuable experience to the Borough squad.

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Game of the Season: Eastbourne Borough 6-0 Hampton & Richmond Borough

Eastbourne Borough’s standout performance of the season came in a dominant 6-0 victory against Hampton & Richmond Borough. Pemi Aderoju starred with four goals, while Mo Sagaf and Jayden Davis added late strikes to complete an emphatic victory.

In front of 791 supporters, The Sports produced one of their most complete attacking displays of the campaign.

Form Guide:

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6 Apr 2026	Tonbridge Angels	Home	D	1–1
3 Apr 2026	Worthing	Away	L	1–2
28 Mar 2026	Bath City	Home	D	2–2
21 Mar 2026	Chippenham Town	Away	L	2–5
14 Mar 2026	Maidenhead United	Home	L	0–1

Eastbourne Borough come into this fixture without a win in their last five, picking up draws against Tonbridge Angels and Bath City but suffering defeats to Worthing, Chippenham Town and Maidenhead United. Defensive issues remain a concern, with goals conceded proving costly.

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Last Time Out: Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Hemel Hempstead Town

Eastbourne Borough played out a goalless draw with in-form Hemel Hempstead Town last time out, in a physical contest at The Connect Management Stadium. The Sports saw more of the ball but were unable to turn possession into goals.

A big fixture for Hemel Hempstead Town as they continue their push towards the playoffs, with crucial points still on the line at the top end of the table. Already-relegated Eastbourne Borough, meanwhile, will be looking to end the season on a positive note and play with freedom in the final games.

With the reverse fixture ending goalless, both sides will feel there is more to come this time around. The Tudors, in strong form, will be aiming to secure all three points on home soil, while The Sports will hope to build on recent performances and finish the campaign with pride.

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Ones to Watch:

Adam May

Joined: January 2026

Position: Midfielder

Adam May arrived at Eastbourne Borough in January 2026 following his departure from Forest Green Rovers and a short spell at Weston-super-Mare.

A product of Portsmouth’s academy, May brought valuable experience and quality into the Borough midfield, ahead of George Alexander’s departure. Since joining The Sports, May has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals and adding creativity and composure in the centre of the pitch during a challenging period for the club.

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Freddie Carter

Joined: April 2024

Position: Defender

Freddie Carter is a familiar face at The Sports, having come through the club’s youth system before earning a move to Gillingham in 2021. Part of the Under-18 side that reached the FA Youth Cup Second Round, he later gained experience during a loan spell at Cray Wanderers.

Now back at Eastbourne, the young centre-back has established himself at The Connect Management Stadium, delivering consistent performances and contributing important goals during a campaign that saw The Sports narrowly miss out on the National League South title.

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Quevin Castro

Joined: March 2026

Position: Forward

Quevin Castro is a dangerous attacking player known for his pace and direct running in wide areas. Having featured for Chippenham Town earlier in the 2025/26 season, Castro joined in March 2026 and has made an immediate impact, starting all three matches and scoring twice.

With his energy and attacking intent, Castro is a player The Tudors will need to keep a close eye on, capable of making the difference in key moments