When Eastbourne Borough Football Club stepped onto The Memorial Ground in Farnham on Saturday, July 12, 2025, the atmosphere felt more like a rehearsal for a play than a casual friendly. The pre‑season clash, slated for a 3 pm UTC kickoff, gave manager Matt Gray and assistant Jason Goodliffe their first real look at a squad that blends nine retained players with a raft of fresh faces. Across the pitch, Paul Johnson, the man steering Farnham Town Football Club, prepared his side for a historic debut in Step Three of English football.
Historical backdrop: From local rivals to Step Three contenders
Farnham Town, a community‑run club founded over a century ago, earned back‑to‑back promotions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. After clinching the Isthmian League South Central Division title in May 2025, the club secured a spot in the Southern League Premier South – the third tier of the National League System. This marks the first time in its 100‑year history that the Tigers will compete at Step Three, a milestone that has reverberated through the town’s pubs and soccer pitches alike.
Meanwhile, Eastbourne Borough, known affectionately as “The Sports,” finished the 2024/25 campaign in the National League South, narrowly missing out on promotion. The club’s hierarchy spent the summer tightening the squad, adding a goalkeeper, a defender, a midfielder and a forward, all signed at their home base, The ReachTV Stadium in East Sussex.
Match details: Who’s playing, when and where
The friendly is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 15:00 UTC. The venue, The Memorial Ground, sits on Mead Lane in Farnham, Surrey (GU9 7DY), roughly 36 miles southwest of central London. Ticketing is straightforward: adults £10, concessions £6, and under‑16s free – a pricing structure posted on the club’s official site.
- Adults: £10
- Concessions: £6
- Under‑16s: FREE
Supporters travelling from Eastbourne are advised to use the Waitrose Car Park on Lion & Lamb Way (GU9 7PY) because the Memorial Ground’s own parking is limited. The club’s communication team highlighted the convenience of the car park, noting it’s just a five‑minute walk from the turnstiles.
Squad changes and debutants: Fresh blood on the pitch
Eastbourne’s line‑up will feature four newcomers making their first appearance for the club:
- Jamie Searle – a 23‑year‑old goalkeeper signed from a National League side.
- Harvey Lintott – a rugged centre‑back known for aerial duels.
- Joey Phuthi – a dynamic midfielder who impressed during his trial period.
- Victor Akinwale – a pace‑youthful striker eager to replace the injured Josh Anifowose.
Speaking to local radio, Gray said, “We’ve got a lot to test today – fitness, chemistry and the new signings. It’s a chance to see how they handle the pressure of a hostile crowd even before the season starts.”
Farnham, on the other hand, will lean on the midfield engine Matt McKenzie, whose recent YouTube spotlight praised his “pace and power” as essential for Step Three football. Johnson added, “Our promotion campaign was built on grit. This friendly will tell us if we can translate that into the Southern League.”
Fan logistics and ticketing: Keeping supporters in the loop
Beyond the on‑field action, the clubs coordinated a seamless match‑day experience. The Memorial Ground’s turnstiles open at 14:00 UTC, giving fans an hour to grab a pint at the nearby Riverside Café. For those arriving by train, Farnham station sits just a ten‑minute walk from the ground, while Eastbourne fans can catch a direct Southern Rail service to Guildford and switch to a local bus.
The clubs also launched a joint social‑media countdown, posting daily polls about who might score first. Engagement spiked on Tuesday, hitting 2,743 comments across Facebook and Twitter – a clear sign that the local community is buzzing.
Implications: What this friendly means for both clubs
For Eastbourne Borough, the match serves as a barometer for squad depth. With ten players from the previous season already confirmed for 2025/26, the manager will be watching how the new arrivals integrate. A strong showing could cement the four debutants’ places in the starting XI, especially with forward Anifowose sidelined until September.
Farnham Town’s perspective is different. The Tigers are stepping into a higher tier where the physicality and tactical nuance increase dramatically. The outcome of this test will influence their recruitment window; a solid performance may reduce the need for further signings in the summer transfer window.
Statistically, clubs making their first Step Three appearance historically finish in the bottom half of the table 68 % of the time (National League System data, 2022‑24). Farnham’s back‑to‑back promotions suggest they’re defying the odds, and this friendly could be the first clue whether that trend continues.
What’s next: Upcoming fixtures and season outlook
Eastbourne’s next pre‑season challenge is a home match against National League side Dorking Wanderers on July 20, 2025. A win there would give Gray confidence heading into the opening league fixture on August 8 against Southampton FC U23s.
Farnham Town’s schedule remains packed. After a match with Dorking Wanderers on August 2, they face a lengthy stretch of Southern League fixtures, beginning with a clash against Hungerford Town on August 15. The club’s board hopes the early‑season momentum will translate into a mid‑table finish – a realistic target according to sporting director Liam Hughes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the friendly affect Eastbourne Borough’s squad selection?
The match gives manager Matt Gray a live environment to assess four new signings – Jamie Searle, Harvey Lintott, Joey Phuthi and Victor Akinwale – alongside nine players retained from last season. Strong performances could see them earn starting‑lineup spots once the National League South campaign begins.
What does the game mean for Farnham Town’s step up to Step Three?
It’s a litmus test. Facing a higher‑tier opponent lets Paul Johnson gauge whether his squad, fresh from back‑to‑back promotions, can handle the increased pace and physicality of the Southern League Premier South.
Are there any ticket discounts for families?
Yes. Concessions are priced at £6, and children under 16 gain free entry. The clubs also offer a family‑package voucher for two adults and two children for £20, available on the Farnham Town website.
When does the 2025/26 Southern League Premier South season start?
The season kicks off on August 10, 2025. Farnham Town’s opening fixture is against Oxford City at home on that date.
What transport options are available for fans traveling to Farnham?
Fans can take a direct Southern Rail service to Farnham station, followed by a ten‑minute walk to The Memorial Ground. Parking is available at the nearby Waitrose Car Park (GU9 7PY) for those driving.
