Just 18 days after “that evening” at the Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium, the reverse fixture against Eastbourne Borough will take place at Priory Lane on Saturday.

The least said about the reverse fixture the better, but suffice to say, that Eastbourne Borough emerged as victors with a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Kai Innocent and John Shamalo.

In the intervening time, Eastbourne have added a draw at Slough Town and a home win against Chelmsford City to extend their unbeaten National League South run to 10 games, presently sitting in sixth place, one of five clubs on 52 points, three adrift of leaders Worthing. There have also been a raft of significant changes to the squad with midfielder Brayden Johnson, who has joined Middlesbrough, Dan Quick, Jayden Davis, James Alabi and Ballard McBride, all moving to Welling United, heading through the exit door.

In through the entrance door have come Josh Anifowose from Aveley and a familiar face to Angels fans in the shape of Jason Adigun, on loan from Dagenham and Redbridge, who played eight league and cup games for us in September and October, including the FA Cup run.

Eastbourne Borough were relegated from Conference National following the 2009/10 season and have resided in National League South ever since, reaching the play-offs in the 2020/21 season but falling in the elimination round to Oxford City.

Priory Lane has been a happy hunting ground for the Angels over the last couple of seasons, winning last year by 3-0 with goals from Jamie Fielding, a Dan Quick own goal and Jordan Greenidge and two goals from our recent signing, Jack Wood, gave us a 2-1 win in March 2023.

Wood will go straight into Saturday’s squad following his loan transfer from Southend United until the season’s end. Jay Saunders was hopeful, following Tuesday’s hard-earned point at St Albans City, that some of the players on the injured list might be available, but that would be assessed at Thursday evening’s training session.

The vast majority of our travelling supporters will be familiar with Priory Lane with The Sports being ever-present during both our spells in National League South, although of course, the 3G surface was installed for the 2016/17 season.

The main stand has seating for 600 and there is a covered terrace on the opposite side that stretches the full length of the pitch. Behind both goals there is also covered terracing.

Our supporters can use the clubhouse, which is open from midday. There's a full food menu running in the clubhouse until 7.30pm. Inside the ground there are three food options, a burger bar, pizza bar and hot dog stall around the ground, which will be open when turnstiles open from 1.30pm.

The car park accommodates 400 vehicles and the hosts request that it is used rather than parking on Priory Lane.

Train travel is awkward with the nearest station at Pevensey and Westham via Hastings. This leaves a walk of over a mile and, after dark, it is partially without pavement.

Ticketing in advance carries a generous discount but purchase must be made before midnight on Friday. Online admission prices are: Adults £15, Concessions £10, Under-18 and Students £5 with Under-12’s free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased HERE 

Match day admission prices are Adults £18, Concessions £12, Under-18 and Students £6 with Under-12’s free with a paying adult. Cash or card at the turnstile.

Enjoy the game!