Four goals and two red cards all contributed to an entertaining relegation clash between Eastbourne Borough and Carshalton.

Borough twice came from behind courtesy of two goals from Lee Newman in a feisty encounter.

Both teams knew the importance of this fixture but the opening period was anything but cagey.

The first chance fell to Phil Warner following fine build-up play from Scott Ramsay and Newman. Warner looked to pick his spot at the near post but Carshalton keeper Adam Federici was down smartly to parry away.

Borough have been punished for not taking their chances in recent games and this was the case again. Craig Dundas had already signalled his intention with a sharp turn and shot that fizzed narrowly wide but on 17 minutes the powerful striker was left unattended and he duly despatched a header beyond Lee Hook.

Once again Eastbourne found joy attacking down the Carshalton right. Attack-minded leftback Marlon Patterson was caught ball watching as Warner latched on to Ben Austin's pass.

Warner cut inside and hit a fierce left-foot shot that was well gathered by Federici.

Borough pressed forward towards the end of the first half and forced a succession of corners. Newman's heavy touch in a crowd of players prevented the striker a clean shot at goal but the speedy forward soon made amends.

Newman embarked on a solo run and left defenders in his wake before confidently placing his shot in off the far post to give Borough a deserved equaliser.

Borough started the second half in a similar vain and could easily have gone ahead when Anton Robinson loitered at the far post. His centre just needed the faintest of touches but somehow Newman failed to connect.

Once again Borough were to rue missed opportunities. With the Eastbourne defence awakening from their half-time slumber, Matt Fowler nipped in and clipped a cute finish over a despairing Hook.

Confidence is an amazing thing for any striker and when Newman was played through there only looked like one outcome. Newman feinted right and coolly rounded the advancing keeper before expertly placing Eastbourne back in the game once again.

With the away side showing more drive and passion Borough began to create chances. Newman missed a golden opportunity to complete his hat-trick by blazing over and Anthony Storey's well taken free-kick cannoned back off the bar with Federici beaten.

With so much at stake it was surprising the game reached the final stages without a single card shown. This all changed in spectacular fashion when a 22-man brawl ensued following a flare-up in the away dugout.

Austin, who appeared to be acting as peacemaker, and Matt York both received straight reds as the game finished on an unsavoury note.