Town were two goals down and looked a team well beaten but second half strikes from Gary Brockwell, Danny Simmonds and Leach secured their first win of the Ryman League South division one campaign.

Regular visitors to the Saffrons during Ady Colwell's reign have witnessed extra-ordinary recoveries but the manner of Wednesday's fightback was remarkable.

The Town boss said, "What made the difference was the strength from the bench. We made three substitutions and they all played their part.

"We adapted our game and I was delighted with the never- say-die-spirit and the adaptability our players showed.

"It was clear the first half was not working so we changed our style in the second half and it worked for us."

After a delayed start, due to Whyteleafe's late arrival, Colwell's men fashioned the first chance on 10 minutes.

Luke Denton delivered a wicked cross from the right and Peter Cooper's sliding effort was deflected just wide of the post.

That was as good as it got for Town in the first half. Without the injured Kevin Rose the visitors cut through the soft centre of the home defence at will.

On 15 minutes Peter Featherstone's awkward back pass caught out goalkeeper Russ Tanner whose first touch was heavy.

After a sliding challenge with Cedric Kabongo, the ball fell to Sean Rivers who had the simple task of rolling into an empty net.

Rivers missed a golden chance to extend the lead after a slip from Chris Dicker but Ricardo Williams soon made it two.

Once again the Town defence was nowhere as a single pass from midfield cut them wide open and Williams' crisp effort from 18 yards found the top corner despite Tanner's best efforts.

In the second half, Eastbourne were as good as they had previously been woeful. On came John Piercy and Leach and in the 60th minute Town pulled one back from Brockwell's angled drive.

As Leach retrieved the ball from the net a scuffle broke out involving Whyteleafe's Asher Hudson. Both sets of players piled in and after a brief game of push and shove Leach and Hudson received yellow cards.
As the game became heated Colwell introduced Shaun Loft alongside the hard working Peter Cooper and Leach.

Danny Simmonds levelled the scores on 72 minutes direct from a free kick and minutes later the comeback was complete. Simmonds picked out Loft at the far post and his scuffed shot fell perfectly for Leach who was well placed to net the winner.

Man of the match Cooper almost capped a sterling display with a goal in the dying moments but his effort was deflected just over.

TOWN: Tanner 6, Featherstone 6, Putland 6, Davidson 6 (Piercy 7) Dicker 6, Manton 6 (Loft), Simmonds 7, Denton 7, Brockwell 7, Salvidge 6 (Leach 7), Cooper 8. MoM: Peter Cooper: tremendous work rate.
Referee: P Nicholas.
Att: 150.