Gosport's away campaign ends in defeat

Eastbourne ensured Boro's last road trip of 2015/16 was a miserable one - running out 3-0 winners.

Three second half goals condemned Gosport to their sixth successive away league defeat as Jamie Taylor (2) and Jake Sheppard increased Boro's recent misery.

The defeat ensured Gosport could not qualify for this season’s play-offs and therefore their final league game at home to Hayes & Yeading United next weekend bears no significance as far as Alex Pike is concerned - but could be crucial in the relegation dogfight however.

Pike sent out an almost unchanged line up to face Eastbourne as Brett Poate concluded his two match ban and Perry Ryan did not travel. It was a blustery afternoon in East Sussex with a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch.

Gosport played with the wind at their backs in the first half and the opening few minutes were largely uneventful. Adam Wilde (pictured) showed awareness of the conditions launching an audacious 45 yard wind assisted lob after five minutes having spotted Eastbourne keeper Carey off his line. His effort sailed just wide.

Eastbourne began putting some useful moves together with Sheppard’s cross being cut out by Pearce and the resulting corner caused Gosport some uncomfortable moments.

The home side threatened through Nathan Pinney, whose pace and skills were always a concern. His driving run down the left and into the area resulted in a decent chance, but Legg was alert and cut out a telling cross which would have picked out the waiting Taylor.

It should have been 1-0 with 13 minutes on the clock. A mistake from Sam Pearce let in Taylor, who slipped an incisive pass through to Pinney. The dangerous front man slotted his effort past Legg but the waiting Woodford was on hand to rescue Gosport with a goal line clearance.

Eastbourne turned the screw slowly with Pinney just off target and George Legg making a terrific save to deny Sheppard. Tommy Widdrington’s team continued to pressure their visitors at every opportunity.

Gosport, having survived a barrage of pressure, managed to exert some of their own with Sam Pearce stealing in behind the defence to get on the end of a set piece and direct a powerful header goal wards but Carey made a terrific save to keep him out.

That only inspired the home side to resume their assault with Pinney being denied by Legg who was having an assured game. Gosport had a strong spell with around ten minutes of the half left, playing some good possession football without creating too many chances.

Bennett headed wide from an Adam Wilde delivery as Pike’s team continued to momentarily hold the momentum. Both teams had chances as the first half drew to a close.

The second half opened in explosive fashion with an Adam Wilde foul on Beale leading to an exchange of word s between Wilde and Nathan Collier as tempers threatened to boil over. This followed a similarly agitated end to the first period. Wooden was penalised and booked for a foul only moments later.

The Wilde incident had further consequences. Beale was unable to continue after five minutes of treatment and was substituted, being replaced by the outgoing Darren Lok, playing his final home game for Eastbourne before departing in the summer.

Both sides continued to create chances but there was little end product for either. Pinney for Eastbourne in particular was wasteful, firing well over the bar when one on one with Legg. James Sheppard was not quite so wasteful in the 54th minute as he drove into the area before rifling a low shot past Legg into the bottom corner to give Eastbourne the lead that, on balance, they probably deserved.

Alex Pike reacted by making change, bringing on Ben Harding for Dunford as the home side missed another good opportunity, with Evans shooting wide. Substitute Lok was the next to miss as the home side continued to search for that second goal.

Lok raced clear of a static Boro’ defence only to lift his shot over Legg and wide of the far post. Just after the hour mark they finally found the target again, Jamie Taylor applying a neat finish after a good build up.

Rory Williams was clearly uncomfortable after sustaining an injury and was replaced by Connor May. Taylor headed straight at Legg as they continued to knock on Gosport’s door.

A third was inevitable and it arrived with 15 minutes left. A lovely pass set Lok away and his cross was thumped home by Jamie Taylor from close range.

Both sides made further changes with Gosport forced to withdraw Carter who sustained an injury in a collision. Eastbourne controlled the final ten minutes with Gosport now struggling to make any kind of impression as they visibly grew tired. Sam Pearce came closest to giving the travelling supporters something to cheer about, sending a 25 yard blockbuster just over the bar with three minutes left.