Borough 1 Stafford 1: Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson is taking a close-up look at his side as they attempt to adapt to life in the fast lane.

Wilson abandoned his usual position in the stand at Priory Lane to shout instructions from pitch-side during Borough's first ever game in the Dr Martens premier division.

Borough could not have been handed a tougher test against last season's runners-up but they passed with flying colours, although Wilson admits it will be a while before he can return to sitting in comfort He said: "The pace of the game was phenomenal and I wanted to be in the dug-out to have a closer look. I will be doing that for a while until we get used to the pace but, I must admit, it left even me feeling tired.

"Stafford are the most intense side we will have to play against and I don't know any other premier division team capable of playing that way.

"It was a brilliant start for us because our players will now go away and know what they have to aim at.

"We know we are going to have to get used to the tempo and it will take a bit of time. But as long as we can match teams while we are getting used to it then we will be all right."

It took just five minutes for a Ben Austin header to prove Borough could live with the best in the premier division.

Skipper Daren Pearce floated in a free kick from the right flank and Austin wriggled clear of his marker to guide his header into the bottom left hand corner.

Just four seasons ago Borough, then known as Langney Sports, were playing in division one of the County League. An incredible climb through the divisions followed. But Wilson believes the way Stafford responded proves this season will provide Borough with their biggest challenge by far.

The visitors upped the tempo and played at a relentless pace. Stafford's reward was an equaliser after 32 minutes when Craig Wilding, signed from York City in the summer, beat new Borough keeper Lee Hook with a powerful header from 12 yards.

It was the only blemish on Hook's almost perfect debut performance as the former Sittingbourne stopper saved everything Stafford threw at him for the remainder of the game.

Wilson said: "Stafford were one of the best teams we have seen at Priory Lane and that is what we have to expect this season. There is a difference in every step-up you make, but this one is massive.

"If you take the top team in the eastern division last year, Dorchester, and compare them with Stafford, there is no contest.

"But I know once we get the ball down then we are as good as anybody. It is just the fitness and the sharpness levels which need to be improved and we will do that."

The new season is not just a watershed for Borough, it is also vital for all teams in the premier division as plans for restructuring the non-League pyramid come into force next May.

Sides finishing in the top 13 will automatically qualify for the new Conference North or South divisions. The remainder, apart from those relegated, will take on their counterparts from the Ryman and Unibond Leagues in a play-off for the remaining places.

The changes mean a season of mid-table consolidation is not an option for Borough and coach Nick Greenwood believes it could work against them.

He said: "It think it is the worse ever time to have gone into the premier division. It gives you a great opportunity of Conference football, but instead of it all being dead at the end of the season in mid-table, you are going to have everyone scrapping it out. There will be no safe places and games against teams around 13th place will all be like cup finals.

"Teams are all so frightened of this re-organisation and more and more are going into debt buying players and feeling the pressure. For us it is different because we have just come up and we are happy just to be in the premier division. So we have to just cope the best we can and see where we end up."

Eastbourne: Hook, Baker, Tuck, Smart, Playford, Austin, Westcott (Ducille 81), Pearce, Ramsay (Goodwin 88), Simmonds, Crabb (Stevens 83). Subs not used: White, Stark.

Stafford: Price, McAughtrie, Tankard (Beale 64), Barrow, Daniel, Lovatt, Downes, Heath, Szewczyk, Davidson, Wilding. Subs not used: Robinson, Edwards, Dunn, Dodd.Booked: Downes 34.

Referee: David Marjetts (Harlow). Man of the match: Lee Hook ( outstanding debut in goal). Attendance: 494.