on October 06, 2025
Author: Richard Gardner
OnSite Group Stadium, Southampton - The magic of the Emirates FA Cup delivered its customary dose of drama this past weekend, but for Sholing FC, the journey ended in heartbreak. The Boatmen fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against National League South side Eastbourne Borough in a spirited contest during the 3rd Qualifying Round.
For fans hoping for a giant-killing spectacle, the performance delivered everything but the final score. Sholing FC, playing their home match at the nearby AFC Portchester, battled tooth and nail against their higher-level opposition, proving that the gap between the leagues is often smaller in the crucible of a cup tie.
Beyond the result and the usual cup drama, the match was played under a cloud of deep sadness following the tragic passing of former Eastbourne Borough player, Billy Vigar, earlier that week. Before kick-off, players, staff, and fans of both Sholing and Eastbourne Borough united in a poignant minute's silence at the OnSite Group Stadium. This respectful gesture transcended club rivalries, serving as a powerful reminder of the football community’s spirit and the fact that some things are far more important than the result on the pitch.
The Fight Till the Finish
The 1-2 scoreline tells the story of a fiercely contested match, one where Sholing FC showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit. To push a team from the league above right to the wire is a testament to the hard work put in by the squad, and they can certainly hold their heads high.
Michael Folivi, as always, proved to be the Boatmen's spearhead, delivering the moment of quality they desperately needed to match their higher-level opponents. With the team trailing late in the first half, it was Folivi who carved out the opportunity, drawing a crucial penalty from Dan Quick right on the stroke of the 45th minute. Showing immense composure under cup-tie pressure, the striker stepped up and coolly slotted the spot-kick just beyond the reach of the keeper to find the bottom left corner, ensuring Sholing FC went into the break level and with renewed belief. He remained a constant threat throughout the contest, driving forward and later shooting just wide from a tight angle in the second half, solidifying his role as the talisman who pushed Eastbourne Borough to their limit.
After the final whistle blew, the focus immediately turned to the post-match thoughts of the manager, Paul Doswell. The override sentiment will surely be pride in his players. Losing 1-2, especially at this stage of the competition, means you were just a moment away from forcing a replay or even a famous victory.
Doswell’s Pride and Perspective
The manager’s perspective is crucial: this was a narrow defeat. It wasn't a capitulation; it was a tight loss against strong opposition. Doswell knows this squad has the quality to compete, and they took a very good Eastbourne Borough side right down to the wire.
Hear the full post-match reaction and thoughts from the gaffer, Paul Doswell, on the performance and the end of the cup journey:
🗣️ Watch the Post Match with Paul Doswell - Sholing 1-2 Eastbourne Borough here
The Boatmen now must take this spirited performance and channel that intensity back into their league campaign. The FA Cup may be gone, but the season is far from over.
