A look back on Cambridge United's previous meetings with Conference sides in the Football League era, 1970-2010.

The U's meet Eastbourne Borough for the third time in under seven weeks tonight, but it only represents the fifth meeting between the sides. August 2008 marked the first encounter, in The Sports' first season at Conference level.

Lee McEvilly netted the first goal between the sides as United won that meeting 3-0 to go top of the league after four matches. Ben Farrell and debutant Chris Holroyd scored the other goals, Farrell's being his most recent for the club and Holroyd bagging his very first.

The return fixture at The Abbey in April 2009 saw The U's complete a season double over their opponents, both sides converting a penalty at The U's came from behind to win 2-1. Holroyd was again on target and Lee Phillips headed his first goal for the club.

Fans will remember this season's two league meetings as they both took place recently, and Eastbourne's fortunes took an upturn with four points. Brian Saah earned United a point in a 2-2 draw at Priory Lane in December as Martin Ling's side twice came from behind, before Eastbourne earned their first win in meetings between the sides just three days ago, Jamie Taylor heading the only goal.

Tonight's meeting comes in the FA Trophy Second Round. Eastbourne have reached the Third Round three times, all since the turn of the century, while United have never been beyond this stage.

Matt Ramsay