By Adam May

Chelmsford City make the trip to play-off chasing Eastborough Borough (3:00pm KO) on the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of title contenders Eastleigh this weekend.

The Clarets put in a commendable performance away at the Spitfires on Tuesday night, although a Reece Connolly header ensured 15th-placed City returned to Essex pointless.

Three days earlier, however, Mark Hawkes’ side recorded a 3-1 triumph at home to League leaders Bromley, and will be looking to build on the win against the Sports this Saturday at Priory Lane.

Eastbourne Borough, managed by Tommy Widdrington, have enjoyed a successful campaign thus far, and continued their fine form in midweek after bouncing back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 away at Basingstoke Town.

That defeat proved to be a superb reaction from the side’s disappointing loss at Havant and Watelooville the weekend before which ended a three match unbeaten run. Eastbourne recorded draws at promotion-chasing Sutton United and Eastleigh either side of a 2-1 away win at FA Trophy finalists Gosport Borough.

The Sports currently occupy eighth spot in the Skrill South table, lying only two points behind Weston-super-Mare who occupy the final play-off spot. Eastbourne also have two games in hand on Weston so the race for the play-off places is well and truly hotting up.

The Clarets have already tasted victory against the Sports this season when goals from Leon Redwood, Sam Long and an own goal from Lewis Tallack secured the 3-0 win at Melbourne Stadium in October.

Facing the Clarets are former players Ollie Rowe and Tom Derry, with the latter appearing for the Melbourne-based club this season. Boro boss Tommy Widdrington revealed in the week that he is looking to secure the services of youngster Derry – who made 16 appearances for City – for the rest of this season and possibly onto next year.

Meanwhile, Tom Davis returns from suspension for the Clarets while skipper Mark Hughes serves the last match of his 5-game ban.