Eastbourne Borough 4-2 Welwyn Garden City: Adeyemi Brace Sends Sports Through in FA Trophy

Eastbourne Borough advanced in the English FA Trophy with a 4-2 victory over Welwyn Garden City at Priory Lane on Saturday, 26 September 2026. In a second qualifying round tie that promised a step-up test for the visitors, Eastbourne’s extra sharpness in the final third proved decisive, even as Welwyn Garden City twice threatened to turn the contest into a nervous evening.

Jordan Adeyemi was the difference-maker, scoring twice, while Charlie Lambert and Marcus Webb also found the net. Welwyn Garden City responded bravely through Liam Nash and Ethan Turner, but the home side had too much attacking quality when the game opened up.

Match Overview

Eastbourne Borough started with purpose and were rewarded inside the opening quarter of an hour. Adeyemi latched onto a clever through ball, held off his marker and finished low beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The home side doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Lambert arrived late in the box to convert a deep cross from the right.

Welwyn Garden City, however, refused to fold. Nash gave the visitors a lifeline before the break, pouncing on a loose ball after Eastbourne failed to clear a corner. That goal changed the mood briefly, but Eastbourne restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half when Webb powered home a header from a set piece.

Turner made it 3-2 with a composed finish after a quick counter-attack, setting up a tense final 20 minutes. Eastbourne needed a late seal, and Adeyemi provided it, racing clear in the 84th minute and slotting past the goalkeeper to complete his brace and end Welwyn’s resistance.

Key Moments

• 12’ – Eastbourne 1-0: Jordan Adeyemi opens the scoring with a clinical low finish.
• 28’ – Eastbourne 2-0: Charlie Lambert converts from close range after a flowing move down the right.
• 39’ – Eastbourne 2-1: Liam Nash reacts quickest to a defensive scramble and pulls one back for Welwyn.
• 52’ – Eastbourne 3-1: Marcus Webb heads in from a corner to restore the two-goal lead.
• 67’ – Eastbourne 3-2: Ethan Turner finishes a fast break to make it a one-goal game again.
• 84’ – Eastbourne 4-2: Adeyemi gets his second, sealing the tie for the hosts.

Tactical Story

Eastbourne Borough’s high press forced Welwyn Garden City into hurried clearances throughout the first half, and the hosts repeatedly won the ball in dangerous areas. Their width was important too, with both full-backs pushing high to stretch the visitors’ defensive block. Welwyn’s best moments came when they bypassed the press with direct passes into the channels, and their two goals were rewards for persistence rather than sustained control.

After Welwyn twice reduced the deficit, Eastbourne showed game management. They slowed the tempo, kept possession in midfield and waited for their chance to strike on the break. The fourth goal was the perfect example: a patient build-up, a sudden acceleration and a ruthless finish.

Standout Players

Adeyemi’s brace made him the obvious headline act. His movement between the centre-backs was difficult to handle, and his second goal showed both pace and composure. Lambert was influential in linking midfield and attack, while Webb’s defensive contribution and set-piece threat gave Eastbourne a physical edge. For Welwyn Garden City, Nash and Turner took their goals well, and the goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score respectable.

What It Means

Eastbourne Borough move into the next round of the FA Trophy with confidence and a place in the draw. For Welwyn Garden City, the defeat ends their cup run, but the performance — especially the two-goal response — will offer encouragement for their league campaign. In a knockout competition, there is no table to fall back on: progress is everything, and Eastbourne got the job done.