A hard working and determined performance saw EP earned a point against one of the promotion favourites Eastbourne Town FC. Overall a point a piece was probably a fair result in a game played in 30 degree heat. The match was played at a frantic pace and an excellent game was produced for the good size crowd.

The first chance came to one of EP’s new signings Scott Rafferty after just 2 mins when a misunderstanding by the ETFC GK and centre back presented to ball to Rafferty 10 yards out but his shot was skewed wide. ETFC had the next chance when a volley at the back post by the away teams winger, Dan Bowell, produced a great save from James Fernandes making his EP debut and the ball cannoned off the underside of the bar and away to safety.

The game was end to end with opportunities for both teams, Lucas Pattenden who had an excellent match making his EP debut chased the ETFC keeper down and stole possession on the edge of the box and his lovely chip hit the post and was cleared. Fernandes made another great save when Sam Carrington went through one on one after 30 mins.

EP took the lead on 40 mins when Jason Tibble in the ETFC goal cleared straight to Dan Huet who unselfishly squared to Rafferty who side footed home from 8 yards to score his first goal for the club.

Half Time: 1-0

The pace of the game did not seem to slow as the second half got underway and on 53 mins Jack Barnes put a great through ball to Luke Brodie whose shot from a tight angle hit the post.

ETFC drew level on 66 mins when a lack of concentration after a water break saw a long through ball catch the home defence out and eventually the ball found Ethan Strevett whose powerful low drive from inside the box finally beat Fernandes and into the corner of the net.

Both sides had equal possession in the closing 20 mins as both Managers made substitutions as the heat started to take its toll on the players but in the end the points were shared.

Full Time: 1-1

Manager Bob Paine said ‘ Very pleased with our performance today against one of the better sides in the league. Our fitness levels were excellent and a draw was probably fair. Our three new signings all showed why we wanted them at EP with Scot Rafferty scoring and putting in an excellent performance, James Fernandes making some excellent saves and Lucas Pattenden causing all sorts of problems on the right hand side. Together with the excellent players we already had at the club the squad is really strong and will certainly give me some selection headaches. A good start but we now have to continue producing the level of performance today regularly.’

Team: James Fernandes, Nathan DaCosta, Dave Beaney, Matt Searle, Tom Lyne, Josh Etherington, Lucas Pattenden, Jack Barnes (Lelliott 70 mins), Dan Huet, Scott Rafferty (Quirke 76 mins), Luke Brodie (Heryet 70 mins)
Subs: Ben Purkis, Josh Parazo, James Lelliott, Jake Heryet, Ryan Quirke