Eastbourne Boro

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Eastbourne 1-1 Darlington

Nine-man Eastbourne Borough rallied from a goal behind to earn a share of the spoils with newcomers Darlington at Priory Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The encounter started at a slow pace with both sides unable to create any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

Eastbourne produced their first shot on goal in the 18th minute but midfielder Matt Smart saw his left-footed shot from just outside the area fly over the crossbar.

However, they were reduced to ten men on the half-hour mark when left-back Neil Jenkins was shown a straight red card for a sliding challenge on Darlington's Gary Smith.

And things went from bad to worse for the Sports as goalkeeper Rikki Banks was also handed his marching orders just two minutes later for handling the ball outside the area.

With no back-up goalkeeper on the Bench for Eastbourne, midfielder Matt Smart was handed the gloves.

The Quakers began to dominate possession as they made good use of their numerical advantage and they finally claimed the lead in the 43rd minute when Chris Senior headed home from a Paul Arnison cross.

Eastbourne almost drew level in first-half injury time but Jamie Taylor's effort was saved by goalkeeper Sam Russell at his near post.

Despite having a numerical disadvantage, Eastbourne didn't give up the fight and they drew level in the 69th minute, with Darlington guilty of complacency.

This time Taylor was not to be denied as he rose well to head home Matt Crabb's outswinging corner to make it 1-1.

Darlington piled on the pressure in the closing stages but Eastbourne held firm to deny them and earn a share of the spoils.

Eastbourne bookings: Matt Crabb.

Darlington bookings: Austin, Arnison.

Ref: Michael Bull (Essex).

Att: 1,464.