Eastbourne
Priory Lane
Capacity 4,151
Address Langney Sports Club, Priory Lane, Eastbourne, Sussex, BN23 7QH
Ticket Prices £12.50 entrance fee.
www.eastbourneboroughfc.co.uk
My first trip to Eastbourne, who were promoted the season before via the Blue Square South play-offs. It was a fairly long journey down to the South Coast from Stevenage. The motorway part was fine, but once we got off the M25, then the journey was quite a drag. Once we got into Eastbourne we got parked and had a wonder round the town and sea front before heading to the ground.
As expected, the ground was modern, small and tidy. It’s what you’ve come to expect from the smaller clubs that have been promoted in recent years, like Histon. The pitch seemed very big and wide, but that may have been mis-leading with the stands being quite small.
Unlike most grounds in the Conference, Eastbourne’s was un-segregated. This meant Boro fans wondered in the same entrance as the home supporters did and were allowed to stand wherever they liked, although most congregated at the ‘River End’. This end was another terraced stand which went about 5 rows back. It did have a roof which made it better for an atmosphere.
The game wasn’t the greatest. Boro were below par for most of the game and deserved to lose, although it looked like they would get a point until late on. Simon Wormull scored the first before Eddie Anaclet equalised for Boro with his first goal for the club. A late winner from loanee Lyle Taylor secured the points for Eastbourne who had now completed the double over Boro.
Getting to Eastbourne
By car
Sat Nav Reference: BN23 7QH
Eastbourne is about 2 hours away from Stevenage and you will need some change for the Dartford Tunnel. Find your way onto the M25 going towards Dartford Tunnel/Stansted Airport. Leave the M25 continuing onto the A21 going towards Sevenoaks. After just under 10 miles exit onto the A26. Stay on this road for about 16 miles before turning onto the A22. Follow this road for about 14 miles and then at the next roundabout turn onto the A27.
As you approach Eastbourne, follow the A27 (Polegate Bypass). Turn right at the roundabout for the A22 (Golden Jubilee Way) and then left into Ditton’s Road. Follow this until turning right into Lion Hill. This becomes Friday Street, where a bit further up you will need to left into Hide Hollow. Follow this road for about half a mile and then turn right into Priory Lane. The ground is located on this road. Not the most straight forward of journeys.
By train
The nearest station is Pevensey and Westham, but this station does not have public transport links so it may be best to continue to Eastbourne Station and have a wonder round the seaside town before making your way up to the ground. Eastbourne is served by trains from London Victoria. You can get to the ground from Eastbourne town centre by catching the number 11 bus or getting a taxi.
