Eastbourne Borough are gearing up on Saturday for the biggest game in their 46-year history knowing a win at Priory Lane over promotion-seeking Oxford United will guarantee another season in the Blue Square Premier.
The final 90 minutes of the season will seal Boro`s destiny. After forty-three matches over eight months Boro go into `Survival Saturday`one point above the relegation trap-door in twentieth position and with forty-three points.
Gateshead forty-two points and Ebbsfleet United forty-one will start the day in the drop zone.
Mathematically Boro could lose to Oxford and still stay up BUT this would necessitate Gateshead losing at the International Stadium to AFC Wimbledon, while a draw for the Heed would put them on forty-three points and condemn Boro by virtue of superior goal-difference.
Provided Boro match Gateshead`s result on Saturday they will be safe.
Anything but a win for Ebbsfleet at Tamworth would not be good enough for them to overtake Eastbourne.
Histon and Forest Green Rovers, both on forty-five points, are still not safe should they fail to pick up points and Boro finish with a win.
Goal difference could well decide the relegation places and Boro have the worst, apart from Ebbsfleet with minus thirty-one.
Eastbourne are appealing for `12th Man` support for this crucial game.
Boro chairman Len Smith said: "We hope the people of Eastbourne will come out in big numbers and really get behind the team.
“This is a massive match for the club and town and the fans can give the team a huge lift.
“Oxford United supporters are known for making a lot of noise and we all need to be in loud voice to outdo them and create real atmosphere."
