Eastbourne Town travelled to Roffey on Tuesday 22nd October for the re-arranged Sussex Senior Cup second-round fixture. With the fixture being played at a later date, both clubs knew who they would be facing in the Third Round, a trip to Isthmian Premier League side Horsham awaits.
As the late evening darkness fell and the light fog crept over the Roffey pitch, the referee blew the whistle and we were underway. As expected, Town being in a higher division took command of possession early. After a bad week of results last week, losing to Herne Bay through a last-minute winner and then a frustrating performance against Ashford United at home. The Town were looking to this fixture as a springboard to bounce us back into some positive form ahead of our next league game this Saturday away at Margate.
Eliot Jenks was back in the starting lineup, returning from injury and filling the boots of the absent Harvey Greig. Jenks was dictating the play in the heart of the midfield, despite the tricky playing surface at Bartholomew Way. We also saw the return of Harry Hammond to right-back, Town supporters will remember his late winner against Erith Town at The Saffrons a few weeks back!
We didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal! Town won a free-kick on the left side of the pitch and Leon Greig stood over the ball. Greig whipped in an in-swinging ball which was met by an unmarked James Hull who lept high and in front of an outcoming goalkeeper to head home. After scoring early, Town continued to dominate possession but struggled to create any real clear-cut chances. A few long-range efforts from James Stone were dealt with by the goalkeeper but other than that, the Roffey defence stood firm all the way up until the half-time whistle.

James Hull Celebrates his second of the game and ultimately the winning goal
The teams came out for the second half and it was more of the same. Town dominating possession but not quite finding the final pass or that elusive second goal. Eventually, it did come. Twenty minutes into the second half, it was that man James Hull again. Marcin Ruda was the provider this time around. The in-form Polish midfielder found himself in space down the left wing, looked up and fizzed in a low left-footed cross which found James Hull and he buried it. Two-nil Town and time for some changes.

James Hull celebrates with teammates after second goal to win second round senior cup game
Anesu Sisimay, Freddie Warren and Sonny Walsh all entered the field of play within the next ten minutes, followed by James Waters shortly after. Walsh looked to make an instant impact and his fresh legs on a heavy pitch were causing problems for a tiring Roffey defense. However, Roffey were not going out without a fight.

Sonny Walsh strikes from distnce against Roffey
The host’s first opportunity came down the left, a good cross from deep was nearly met by the forward but his attempts at a volley on the stretch would sail over the bar. The Boars did eventually find the net with seconds remaining. Fernandes with a consolation goal but it was too late. The referee blew his whistle and Eastbourne Town made it through to the Third round of the Sussex Senior Cup where we will meet Horsham.