Eastbourne Borough hit FA Trophy trail - but it's complicated

Wednesday’s Trophy ‘double draw’ - rounds two and three drawn together – will send the Sports to North London next Tuesday night to face Haringey

Borough of the Isthmian premier. Should they clear that hurdle, they must travel once again tomorrow week in round three, against Slough Town or Dartford.

The complexities of current regulations appear to indicate that Borough fans could travel to step three club Haringey, but not to Slough or Dartford, both of whom actually have larger grounds and possibly a stronger infrastructure.

That is essentially because both Slough and Dartford are among towns in the tougher Covid tier three.

EBFC officials are seeking guidance from the FA on this latest conundrum.

Both Trophy rounds contain ties worth winning – second round victors net £3,750 while the prize is £4,500 in round three.

The Trophy and league dates do mean a blank Boxing Day for the Sports.

Fans keen for live action at the Lane must either wait until that Maidstone game on December 28 – or pop down this evening to cheer on Sas Parsad’s talented Under-18s in the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup.

The youngsters take on K Sports, from Kent – and yes, the visitors do have dispensation to travel.