Stoppage time equaliser denies new boss Bartlett winning start

New manager, same old failings as City conceded a stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Eastbourne Borough at Connect Management Stadium this afternoon. Goals from Josh Laqeretabua and Alex Fisher had turned the game around after City trailed at the break. However, a 94th minute header by Armitage saw the points shared which does little to ease either sides relegation woes.

In the battle of the National League South’s bottom two sides it was the hosts who came flying out of the blocks. Harvey Wiles-Richards has already saved brilliantly from Castro then seen the resultant corner deflected against the underside of the bar, before Jebb curled home a great 6th minute shot to open the scoring. Aside from a couple of acrobatic attempts from Brad Ash it was Borough who continued to look more likely to add to the scoring. Angel fired a shot narrowly over the bar then Kieran Parselle did superbly to block Corbett’s effort. Angel sent another shot just off target before City finally threatened in first half stoppage time. Ash set up Owen Windsor to warm the hands of keeper Luthra then Laqeretabua fired a shot from the edge of the box a yard wide.

City continued their attacking momentum into the second half and levelled on 51 minutes. Jordan Alves saw his initial shot blocked by Luthra but Laqeretabua followed up to drive home a low shot. Donovan Wilson was denied a good chance by Quick but moments later City went ahead. A 66th minute free-kick fell was brought down well by Fisher and he beat Luthra at his near post from the edge of the box. Eastbourne pressed for an equaliser but City restricted them to a handful of long range efforts before their Achilles heel cost them once again. Corbett’s free-kick found Armitage at the back and his header looped over Charlie Binns.