Eastbourne Borough paid the price for some unconvincing defending as they went down 2-1 at Cambridge United.

Borough had been fortunate to go in goalless at half-time but surprising took the lead 13 minutes after the break.

There seemed little danger when Neil Jenkins hoisted a long ball forward but Allan Tait was sent tumbling in the area by Wayne Hatswell as they jostled for position and referee David Coote pointed to the spot. Paul Armstrong's penalty sneaked under Danny Potter to give Borough the lead but it only last seven minutes.

Neil Jenkins conceded a soft penalty and Borough left Lee Phillips unmarked to head home Courtney Pitt's cross.

Substitute Pitt was also involved in what turned out to be the winner five minutes later. His cross was only palmed up in the air by Lee Hook and Matt Smart sent substitute Chris Holroyd tumbling in the area as they challenged for the loose ball. Holroyd picked himself up and made no mistake from the spot.

Borough had a few chances to grab an equaliser at the end with Nathan Crabb taking too long to shoot from Jay Lovett's cross and then Ben Austin heading straight at Potter from a corner.

But it would have been harsh on Cambridge if they had not won after completely dominating the first half.