Eastbourne Borough boss Adam Murray reckons his side are being written off in the battle to stay up.

And he loves the challenge of proving people wrong.

Borough let slip an early lead as they went down 2-1 at home to Aveley in Vanarama National League south.

They are six points from a position of safety.

Murray, who came in to succeed Mark Beard recently, said his side failed to “take ownership” of the second half having conceded a contentious equaliser just before the break.

He added: “We made some decisions that I call passing the baton. We don’t need that.

“I said to the guys that, apart from everybody inside our four walls, people will have written us off.

“That’s the honest truth and I love that.

“I love that challenge, that’s why I came here.

“If there is anybody in there who wants to lie down, who wants to give up, then come and see me and we will get you on your way.

“There is going to be a group going out there from Thursday in training that is ready fight this challenge.”

Moussa Diarra scored early and Borough were on top until Krasniqi levelled on 45 minutes, even though the flag went up for offside in the build-up.

Aveley’s winner came from the penalty spot.

Asked about a return to action at home to Farnborough on Saturday, Murray said: “I can’t wait. For me it is about heart and minds.

“If we are committed, we have got enough quality to take care of this challenge, I have got no doubt about it.

“It’s about how strong are you in your passion to do well and succeed.

“How mentally strong are you to be resilient when you are not getting your own way or when a fan boos you when you give the ball away, when you get a bad decision?”

Results

Vanarama National League, south: Eastbourne Borough 1 Aveley 2; Worthing 1 Slough 1.

Pitching In Isthmian, premier division: Lewes v Horsham postponed.

Isthmian, south-east: Beckenham 0 Burgess Hill 4; Broadbridge Heath 6 Merstham 6; Chichester 0 Cray Valley 3; East Grinstead v Lancing postponed; Three Bridges 0 Ramsgate 2.

Sussex Transport Senior Cup: Whitehawk 0 Bognor 3.

Southern Combination, premier: Eastbourne United 3 AFC Uckfield 1; Pagham 3 Steyning 1.

Sussex RUR Cup: Eastbourne Town 1 Crawley Down Gatwick 0; Horsham YMCA 3 Roffey 0.