Wort back with a bang as Borough cash in loan

Lee Wort was the star of the show as Gosport Borough produced an inspired display to beat 10-man Eastbourne Borough 3-1 and re-ignite their National League South play-off push.
Gosport Borough striker Lee Wort    Picture: Ian HargreavesGosport Borough striker Lee Wort    Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Gosport Borough striker Lee Wort Picture: Ian Hargreaves

Wort’s return from a loan spell at Poole Town was capped with a double after a confident display.

Meanwhile, a special night for Justin Bennett saw him celebrate his 400th club appearance with the other goal.

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Borough boss Alex Pike was pleased with the strike-duo’s contribution in an impressive team display: ‘I thought the team performed very well.’ he said.

‘And if you are looking for a stand-out performance then it probably did come from Lee Wort.

‘It wasn’t surprising for me – I managed to watch him twice when he was on loan at Poole and the way they play with one up front has meant that he is able to battle with centre-halves.

‘Secondly, he has learned to hold the ball up and him and Justin Bennett looked like a proper pair – they scored three goals between them and long may that continue.’

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On a chilly night, both teams started with urgency in a frenetic opening 10 minutes.

Dan Wooden’s cross from the left swirled in the wind and found Wort at the far post, but the angle was difficult and the striker was unable to finish.

Eastbourne were ahead just after the quarter hour mark.

Jack Evans put on-loan striker Jamie Taylor in the clear and he slotted past home goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore to put the visitors ahead.

Wort had a great opportunity to level the scores almost immediately as another strong run saw him bearing down on goal but his effort sailed over.

However, Wort was not to be denied.

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His persistence deserved a goal and he got one with a superb run and finish which found the net via the near post.

Gosport were level.

And moments later, the home side had turned the game on its head.

A cheeky effort from Wort on the turn, deceived luckless visiting goalkeeper Lewis Carey and hit the post.

In a moment of outrageous fortune, the rebound hit the stopper in the face and squirmed back across the line.

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His strike partner Bennett was not to be outdone, though, and early in the second half the game was put beyond doubt.

Barker’s pass was precise, picking out Bennett, whose movement and control allowed him the space to turn and rifle home his 253rd Borough goal.

Eastbourne’s slim chances of turning the game around were dealt a blow with 20 minutes left.

Marvin Hamilton was sent off after upending Barker and earning a second yellow card.

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Gosport keeper Ashmore kept his side’s two goal lead intact with a superb point blank range save from Darren Lok who seemed certain to score.

But Borough comfortably held on to take the points.

Gosport Borough: Ashmore, Cuthbertson, Williams, Carter, Poate, Woodford, Barker, Robinson, Wort, Bennett, Wooden 
Subs: Lee, Wilde, Harding, Wheeler, Brice