Well, after the lacklustre showing against Salisbury, many fans feared the visit of table toppers Burton to Eastbourne. The sun bathed the ground and gave our visitors a taste of the "Sunshine Coast" and as ever the Boro faithful congregated in numbers as kick off time approached.

With an admirable showing of yellow, the Burton fans came in good numbers and good spirits. As is the norm these days in BS Premier, the away fans ask "Where do we go?" and its always a proud moment when we see the look on the faces when told, "We're not segregating today!"

The game itself was an enjoyable affair, with the balance of play swinging one way then the other, and then the euphoria as The Sports took the lead. Pure class from Danny Brown. This was a far better display from the guys in red, and the longer the game went on, all of us felt, maybe just maybe another major scalp!

The question I want to ask next is one that has never crossed my mind in the past but needs to be given some thought. We all know that players undergo the “beep” test to check fitness and I also believe that officials are subject to similar challenges. What does concern me though, is how often do they check the workings of arm muscles. Far be it from me to doubt the efficiency of said arms, but maybe now we need to investigate the possibilities of having two different sets of flags for our assistant referees.

It became apparent last week end that after 60 minutes of play, the arm muscles began to weaken under the weight of the flags, and that linesmen are struggling to lift them in the air when required, and therefore we urgently need to find a lighter flag for the 2nd half. I am sure in this day and age, the technology exists and I feel a “credit crunch beating” patent being lodged!!

Meanwhile, the man in black in the middle doesn't escape observation either. Now, there is a vicious rumour circulating that Mickey Mouse actually owns a watch with a picture of Mr K Johnson on it!! Five minutes added on and 7 minutes played. Anyone would think he was using the clock at the Dripping Pan to keep time!!! Even the Burton fans felt we had done enough to warrant a point.

Chief steward, Matt Barrowclough was delighted to win in the half-time draw, so delighted in fact that he foolishly invited all the stewards to the bar for a drink after the game. He did wonder, however, how we managed to have 75 stewards on duty that day! Cheers for the drink Matt!

The evening saw the Supporters Club quiz night, and we welcomed a team of four that had travelled from Burton and were staying over night in town. Not happy with taking all three points that afternoon, they even had the nerve to win in the raffle! It was a very nice touch though when they asked Ken, the quizmaster, to thank everyone at Eastbourne Borough for the welcome they received, and how in all the years of going to away games, they had never known a host club afford them such hospitality. Makes you proud to live under the shadow of the “Martello” Badge.

So despite the result, once again EBFC has sent visiting fans away with nothing but praise.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I actually missed the SSC semi, but breathed a huge sigh when told we are in the final in May. 5-3 on penalties is not ideal, but its better than not getting through at all.

Finally, I have to thank the Duracell Rabbit for the quote of the week. As the Boro under-18s hit the 5th against Hastings last Sunday, these words were heard ..... “You can beat eggs, but you cant beat class!” Jonno, you are becoming a legend on here!!

Even more finally though, I think its appropriate to mention the sad news of the relegation of our neighbours Lewes this week. Whatever your views on our colleagues up the A27, one can feel nothing but sympathy for what has happened there this season, a campaign that should had offered so much more for the fans of the club. Internal politics, financial disarray, and almost total staff changes have led to the downfall, where as the supporters who witnessed last season's championship winning side deserved better than this.

With the future of the club still very uncertain, I know that all at Priory Lane will miss the festive derbies and I am sure any self respecting fan of local football will wish the club well, wherever they may be next season. A sad day for football in Sussex.

See you all next week for a footy fest - four games in eight days starting in Wiltshire.