The day began in Kent with a surprisingly bright and sunny morning, and after plugging Eastbourne into the satnav we knew we were in for an interesting afternoon. Two hours later we rolled into Sussex, spirits high and ready for a top‑half clash.

Folkestone started cautiously, sitting deep and absorbing early pressure from Eastbourne’s eager front line. After a spell of defending, we were caught out by a ball fired across the face of goal and neatly shoveled in at the back post. We regrouped quickly, but Eastbourne’s sharp passing and movement carved out another opportunity, and a second ball across goal doubled their lead.

The latter stages of the first half were far more balanced. The midfield of Cheap, Ball, Coombs and Bristow worked tirelessly to settle the play, while the defensive unit of Wishart, Vincent, Crookestone, Shaw and Stone held firm. Thanks to their composure, we went into the break only 2–0 down.

The message at half‑time was simple: we were still very much in the game.

The second half began with a more controlled and confident Folkestone side. Possession improved, passes stuck, and momentum shifted. After earning a series of short corners, Furneux managed to bundle in a slightly unorthodox—but fully deserved—goal from close range. 2–1, and game on.

With belief growing, Folkestone pushed hard for the equaliser, showing energy and intent across the pitch. But as we committed bodies forward, Eastbourne caught us on the break. A dubious bobble off the reverse stick of a young Eastbourne striker somehow found its way in, nudging the score to 3–1.

Despite a strong finish, the game wound down with Folkestone feeling hard done by after a spirited performance that deserved more. A long drive home left plenty of time to reflect on a match that showed real promise, even if the scoreline didn’t quite reflect it.