Eastbourne Borough will step up their search for reinforcements after letting Dan Brown join Harlow Town on a three-month loan.

Brown became the second player to depart Priory Lane in the space of a week after fellow midfielder Kane Wills was released on Monday.

The 30-year-old had only started two games in his favoured central midfield role this season after slipping behind Simon Weatherstone, Simon Johnson and Matt Smart in the pecking order.

Head coach Nick Greenwood said: “Dan needed to play games and also wanted to be nearer his family but the other part of it was that it gives us scope to look at strengthening in a couple of areas. We are a little bit light in midfield now with Matt Smart still injured while we are looking at the striker situation.”

Brown made a huge impact when he arrived on loan from Cambridge United in November 2008 before going on to make the switch permanent in January 2009. He has made 74 appearances for the club but his influence has waned over the last 18 months due to injuries and the emergence of the likes of Johnson.

Greenwood added: “People sometimes forget what he did for the club. He was central to our success in the first year but has been hampered by injuries.

“He is still a good player and when we let it be known he was available there were a number of Conference premier clubs interested but he wanted to join Harlow as he lives down the road. We’ll look at the situation again after Christmas and see what is best for all parties.”

Meanwhile, Ross Treleaven will not be fit to face Luton Town at Priory Lane today after failing to recover from a hamstring injury. Richard Pacquette, Steve Cook and Andy Atkin are fit.