City’s play-off hopes took a major dent at Eastbourne’s Priory Stadium when they failed to take maximum points in a game they dominated for long periods. Home Captain Stuart Tuck broke City hearts by striking home a free-kick minutes before the end of the match to earn Eastbourne a vital point.

City showed only two changes from the side that played so well in midweek at Eastleigh, Glen Fuff and Craig Dobson returning to the line-up with Daniel Blanchett and Stephen Hughes dropping to the bench. Eastbourne showed only one change from their last outing, Ben Austin restored to the side in favour of Phil Warner.

Paul Booth hooks the ball past the keeper but sees it hit the post

Borough made the brighter start and enjoyed a good deal of early possession but failed to cause the City defence any real problems with City keeper Danny Naisbitt largely untroubled. The best chance fell to Scott Ramsay but his drive from distance flew well wide while Anton Robinson failed to get anywhere near Ramsay’s low cross as it skimmed invitingly across City’s goalmouth.

Eventually City began to get their game together and started to press the Eastbourne defence. Just after the 20 minute mark, Paul Booth showed the predatory instincts that have brought him thirty goals this season when turned a half-chance past Lee Hook in the home goal only to see the ball canon off the post, Mark Green appearing on cue to hoof the ball to safety.

Borough’s attacks were breaking down with a regularity and City were a constant threat on the break. Matt Smart and Marc Pullen had to combine to stop Robbie Simpson as he looked odds on to score, Simpson tumbled to the floor but appeals for a penalty were waved away by referee Searle. Hook was then forced to pull off a stunning save to deny Dale Binns as he got on the end of Booth’s clipped ball to the back post, the home keeper reacting superbly to turn the wingers close range effort behind for a corner.

Eastbourne, who had been limited to just sniffs of City’s goal again failed to get a shot on target after a low centre squirmed from Naisbitt’s grasp, City finally managing to clear after a goalmouth airshot competition. Soon after, City again failed to open the scoring when a sweeping move led by Craig Pope found Molesley unmarked in the home area but as the midfielder struck his shot, an unfortunate bobble saw him find the back of the car-park rather than the net.

Robbie Simpson is brought down but no spot kick given

After the interval, Eastbourne surprisingly opted for a defensive formation with Scott Ramsay playing up front alone. This invited City forward and they totally dominated, pinning the home side back and it was no surprise when City eventually took the lead on 57 minutes. Molesley’s expertly lofted ball over a ponderous home defence sent Binns scampering clear and he finished with aplomb, lifting the ball over the onrushing Hook.

Following the goal, Eastbourne threw more bodies forward and City wobbled a bit for a few minutes mainly due to an inability to pick accurate passes, but it was shortlived and the visitors soon regained their control.

Borough were failing to make any headway as the City backline mopped up with ease while at the other end, Scott Ramsay produced a stunning block as he threw himself headlong in front of Robbie Simpson’s close range drive to prevent City pulling further ahead.

With Eastbourne well shackled, despite not adding to their tally, City looked odds on to collect maximum points but that all changed with two minutes left on the clock. Matt Langston conceded a needless free-kick on the edge of the area. Naisbitt organized a defensive wall made up of only two players and invited a shot on goal and this was duly delivered by Stuart Tuck who rifled an arrow-like drive into the top corner.

Suddenley Borough were a side transformed, the goal giving them real belief and it was City, after looking so comfortable, who were on the back foot. Eastbourne almost snatched a dramatic winner in the final moments when a run on the left by substitute Matt Crabb saw him find Ramsay at the back post but Naisbitt was equal to his effort turning his shot around the post although a goalkick was given, much to the annoyance of those connected with Eastbourne.