But there was great news from the Saffrons where central defender Ben Putland returned after a two-month injury lay-off to score both the goals that beat high-riding Cray Wanderers 2-1.

New loan signings from Plymouth, Dan Smith and Ashley Barnes, made their debut for Borough who were more than holding their own after a goalless first half.

Skipper Paul Armstrong, back after injury, had Borough's best chance of the opening 45 minutes

Neil Jenkins lofted a long ball from defence to send Armstrong clean through but he fired over from 18 yards.

Burton almost took the lead, but Michael Simpson was denied by a brilliant goal-line clearance from Ben Austin.

Matt Smart and Barnes were both booked as a competitive first half came to an end.

The turning point came on 55 minutes s when referee Steve Cummins penalised Darren Baker, on his 800th appearance, for a foul on Shaun Harrod and Pearson made no mistake from the spot.

Five minutes later Jenkins was booked for a foul on Andy Corbett. From the resultant free-kick by Michael Simpson Steve Craig-Armstrong was free at the far post to nod home.

Matt Crabb replaced Smith at 65 minutes and Brown hobbled off to be replaced by Simon Wormull.But Borough never really threatened to get back into the game.

In contrast Eastbourne Town won a real thriller at the Saffrons, beating the free-scoring Cray Wanderers side with a goal in stoppage time (2-1).

Town took the lead in the eighth minute when Putland blasted into the roof of the net from close range after Cray had failed to clear a corner.

Although they were on the back foot for much of the first half Town were denied a penalty when Danny Leach was brought down in the area by Colin Luckett.

But referee Mr M.T. McCoy had no hesitation in giving Cray a penalty in the second half when Tyrone Sterling was tripped by Peter Featherstone and Luckett buried the spot kick.

Both sides went all out for the winner with Leach twice denied by keeper Glen Knight when clean through.

It looked as if honours when going to end even when, deep into stoppage to time, Dicker's deep cross from the left was superbly headed home by Putland at the far post to clinch Town's best win of the season.

Ady Colwell's men will now go to Crowborough in good heart on Tuesday night for a Ryman League Cup tie.

There was a shock at the Oval where Eastbourne United AFC were beaten 1-0 by East Grinstead, only United's second defeat of the season.

Hailsham v Oakwood was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Beaconsfield.

Don't forget your Gazette on Wednesday for reports of all the top soccer and rugby games.