Eastbourne Borough have axed boss Mark Beard after a heavy derby defeat.

Borough went down 4-0 at home to Worthing in Vanarama National League south.

They are six points from safety midway through a season in which they returned to full-time professional status and eyed an eventual promotion push.

Bear,d the former Albion under-18s boss was appointed last summer.

Borough chairman Simon Leslie said: “Mark has worked so hard to build a new team.

“However, he has been hampered by numerous injuries to many of the key signings and despite some superb performances, many of the results have not gone our way.

“It is with a heavy heart that I feel it is time for a change in direction.

“I want to thank Mark for everything he has done at Eastbourne Borough and I am personally disappointed that we are making this change.”

Goals from Ollie Pearce (penalty), Nicky Wheeler, Ricky Aguiar and Joan Luque saw Worthing climb into third place.

Meanwhile Borough announced they have reached agreement for young striker Fletcher Holman to join Wolves.