Much has been made of the National League South title race, with seven teams vying for promotion. It is likely to take another twist this weekend when fifth place Eastbourne Borough travel to sixth place Torquay.
Torquay were in financial disarray last season, plunged into administration and handed a ten point deduction. This led to them finishing 18th, their lowest league finish since 1927.
The departure of Gary Johnson and the acquisition of the club by the Byrn Consortium breathed new-found optimism into the club. Neil Warnock was appointed as the football advisor, with Paul Wotton poached from Truro to manage the Gulls as they headed into a new era.
Torquay's 14-game unbeaten run was thwarted with a 0-1 loss at home to Hampton and Richmond, before losing by the same scoreline at fellow promotion contenders Maidstone United. It is now four games since Torquay won a game as they endure a mini blip.
Still, their home record is the best in the league, picking up 32 points from 15, conceding just 11 and losing just once. Games at Plainmoor have been low-scoring, averaging just 2.33 goals.
Eastbourne Borough too are under a new era after being purchased by wealthy businessman Simon Leslie in June 2023. Boro struggled to adapt to their professional status and looked destined for the drop, but just one loss in their final 12 games under Adam Murray saw them secure safety in their penultimate game.
An ambitious summer window that saw many talents at National League South level make the switch to the south-coast has seen Eastbourne Borough amongst the title challengers, despite being favoured for relegation by the bookies. Murray has spent well, building a solid defence, with Ollie Kensdale signed from Southend a standout.
In attack, George Alexander made the switch from Chelmsford after a successful scoring season and has scored 12 goals already this season.
The Sports are now 12 games unbeaten and sit fifth in the league, three points ahead of Saturday's hosts and one point off Dorking who are top.
Eastbourne Borough are priced as 3.00 underdogs for the game. While Torquay have lost just once at home, I feel there is juice in the visitors' price. Murray's side are resilient and hard to beat, while packing a punch in forward areas.
Prediction: Eastbourne Borough +0.5 Asian Handicap @1.700
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