Eastbourne Borough are hoping their growing reputation will strike a chord with other teams.

Eighth-placed Borough entertain Sutton United, who are fourth, at Priory Lane today.

Boss Tommy Widdrington said: “It is a tough game but people who see they have us on the horizon will hopefully think we are a tough team as well.

“On the whole we have done ever so well at home.

“The disruption with the weather has been difficult. It has affected all teams, although Sutton have played twice this week. Some will say we are well rested, others will say we are out of match practice. We are looking forward to it.”

Gary Hart will have a fitness test this morning but hopes to return from a calf injury. James Stinson does not need surgery on his knee problem but will be out for a couple more weeks. Manny Akokhia is the only other doubt.

First-teamer Elliott Levy played for Borough’s academy side as they beat Premier League Fulham 4-3 to reach the semi-finals of the Football Conference Cup on Wednesday.

Widdrington is not planning to add to his squad. He said: “We have Chris Shephard and Stacy Long coming back into the squad and Elliott Levy got some game time on Wednesday which was good.”