Eastbourne Borough's new signing Andy Walker is no stranger at Priory Lane.

The former Brentford professional, released by Bognor, marked his debut with a stunning goal in the 2-1 victory at Tonbridge Angels in midweek in the Dr Martens League Cup but the Borough management have known all about his quality for a long time.

Coach Nick Greenwood said: "He is an Eastbourne based player but was at Brentford and a number of other clubs around London.

"He has trained with us at times over the past two years instead of making the trip up to London.

"We were obviously interested in signing him but he was committed to playing in and around the London area as he probably felt there was a better chance of getting back into the professional game and getting picked up again up there.

"He has started a new job now and I think that travelling back to Bognor to play at the same level does not make so much sense so he has come to his home-based club."

Although only 21-year-old, Walker includes Sutton United, Carshalton Athletic and Boreham Wood among his former clubs.

Walker's arrival from The Rocks was timed to perfection as regular fullback Darren Baker was unavailable for the Angels trip as he sat out a one-match ban.

Baker may be concerned about regaining his place but Walker is versatile.

Greenwood said: "He can play one or two positions, and gives us one or two options. If anything he prefers a midfield role."

He added: "With a lot of big games coming up, and people like Nathan Godden still coming back from injury, we are probably going to need all the bodies we can get. It's going to be a tough Christmas period."

Borough were at Fisher Athletic today, one place below them in sixth, and with Histon, Hastings and Chatham coming up, the squad will be tested.

The club will be running coaches to their eagerly anticipated FA Trophy third round tie at Conference outfit Dagenham and Redbridge on January 12.