Match Preview

Matchday guide: Eastbourne Borough (A)

August 13, 2026

Everything you need to know ahead of our league fixture away to Eastbourne Borough.

Brentwood Town head down to East Sussex this Saturday looking to return to winning ways and make it two wins from our opening three league games.

Eastbourne Borough vs Brentwood Town
Saturday 15th August 2026
Isthmian League Premier Division
3pm KO

Match Preview

Two sides with huge ambition meet this weekend in what should be an enthralling clash at Priory Lane. Eastbourne and Brentwood may not have got off to perfect starts this season, but both are expected to fight right at the top of the table.

The Sports were relegated from the National League South last season, their first time below Step 2 in over a decade, so this certainly will not be an easy match for the Blues.

The Blues

Brentwood come into this game off the back of a promising performance, despite ultimately suffering a disappointing defeat against a strong Dartford side who challenged Keith Rowland’s side for the play-off spots last season.

The Darts took the lead through Dan Smith in just the third minute, putting the Blues on the back foot early on, but Brentwood battled for an equaliser throughout the remainder of the first half. Dartford carried their lead into the break and, after half-time, it was more of the same, with Brentwood pinning their opponents back but ultimately unable to find the back of the net.

Despite having three points from their opening two matches, there have been plenty of positives for the Blues. Brentwood have played two strong sides in the division and have shown that they are more than capable of competing at this level, with some excellent football on display in both games.

Keith Rowland’s side will still be among the teams expected to challenge towards the very top of the table, but they will need another strong performance if they are to come away from Eastbourne with all three points.

The Sports

Eastbourne Borough have been National League South regulars since 2011/12, having been relegated from the National League the previous season. Their last campaign at Step 3 came in 2004/05, and Steve King will be aiming to guide the side to an immediate return to Step 2.

They have added plenty of quality to their squad ahead of the new season, including Elliot Johnson, Liam Nash, Tyano Wilson, Josh Rees, Max Sheaf, Owen Bellamy, Matthew Hayden, Darren McQueen, Giles Phillips and Terrell Egbri.

Alongside the players they have retained, the Sports have assembled a squad capable of challenging any team in the division this season.

They are unbeaten from their opening two matches, having faced two tough tests of their own. Their first game saw them travel to Aveley and rescue a late draw at Parkside, before they hosted newly promoted Three Bridges on Tuesday night and secured a 3-2 victory after taking a 3-0 lead in the 46th minute.

Those opening two results will have given Eastbourne plenty of encouragement, particularly the draw at Parkside against an Aveley side who were among the most competitive teams in the division last season.

It won’t be easy for the Sports if they are to secure an immediate return to Step 2, but they are certainly one to watch out for this season.

Final Word

These sides have very different stories – Brentwood aiming to push to new heights they have not reached before, while Eastbourne are looking to return to life at the level they have become accustomed to.

It should provide a fascinating clash, with little to separate the two ambitious sides on paper.

Can Eastbourne continue their unbeaten start to life at Step 3, or will Brentwood return to winning ways?

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the day at the turnstiles, with supporters able to make up to a £4 saving by purchasing online before matchday.

Pre-Matchday Admission Prices

Adults: £12
Concessions: £9
Under 12s: Free with a paying adult

Payment is accepted by cash or card, with card preferred.

Supporters can purchase tickets online in advance at: https://eastbourneboroughfc.ktckts.com/event/eas2627h02/brentwood-town

Matchday Admission Prices

Adult: £16
Concession: £12
Student (ID required): £6
Under 18: £6 – only purchasable from the Ticket Office

Attending a Game with a Carer

If you are looking to purchase a ticket with an accompanying carer ticket, Eastbourne Borough’s policy states that the carer ticket will be free of charge.

A ticket can be purchased online to take advantage of the saver-period pricing, but the carer ticket can only be obtained from the Ticket Office in person.

To qualify, you will need to provide one of the following pieces of supporting documentation:

A statement of higher-rate mobility, or the higher-rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Standard or Enhanced rate Mobility component, or Enhanced rate Daily Living component
Registration document which certifies that you are Registered Blind or Partially Sighted
Veterans Agency letter confirming War Disablement Pension

The Connect Management Stadium

Address:
Connect Management Stadium
Priory Lane
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN23 7QH

Priory Lane has been the club’s home since 1983 and has an official capacity of 3,622.

The Main Stand houses the Directors’ Suite and Main Sponsor’s Executive Suite, as well as an Announcer’s Box and Press area. The dugouts are situated in front of the Main Stand.

The Mick Green Stand houses the dressing rooms and a tea bar, while also providing covered terracing at the Priory Road end of the ground. The upper floor has four Executive Suites, in addition to the exclusive Legends Lounge, with windows overlooking the pitch.

Image courtesy of https://ebfc.co.uk/club/stadium/

Further cover is provided by the Peter Fountain Stand, which houses a food bar, as well as the covered terracing which extends around behind the River End goal.

There are 10 turnstiles in total, including one providing access from the rear car parks. Toilet facilities are provided adjacent to the Mick Green Stand, just inside the ground, and adjacent to the Main Stand.

The large Clubhouse has two bars: the Sports Bar and the smaller Founders Bar.

Car parking for approximately 400 vehicles is available in the large River End car park and the smaller Priory Lane car park.

Spectators are kindly requested to use the car parks provided and not to park in Priory Road or the surrounding roads.

Getting to Priory Lane

The Connect Management Stadium is approximately 90 miles from Brentwood, with the journey by car typically taking around two hours, depending on traffic.