Anticipation in air at Burgess Hill Town as teams enjoy strong start to season
As we head into the autumn stretch of the 2026-27 season there is a lot to reflect on and look forward to at Burgess Hill Town, whose teams have made a very solid start to various campaigns.
The over-riding feeling around Leylands Park is one of excitement and expectation.
A healthy number of Hill fans travelled south to the Enclosed Ground, Whitehawk, on Bank Holiday Monday for a clash with an out-of-form Hawks side. Under cloudy skies Jay Lovett’s men were on track to secure all three points.
However, Hill loanee George Vorster got on the end of a last-ditch throw in to gleefully thrash home a 92nd minute equaliser to send the travelling support into raptures.
Manager Gary Mansell was over the moon to snatch the point but was honest enough to admit his team didn’t do enough the win the game.
There was more frustration at the MTC on September 5 in the FA Cup. Jersey Bulls flew in with sole intention of parking the bus and trying for that smash and grab opportunity. It was a very dull encounter finishing 0-0.
Lots of work went into the replay back in Mid Sussex three nights later only for air traffic control problems to mean the Bulls could not fly. The replay is now set for this Tuesday.
Last Saturday 974 fans witnessed a full blood-and-thunder Isthmian encounter against Ramsgate. Gate got their noses in front early and should have taken the game away in the first half. Hill keeper Roco Rees was in fine form.
The Rams led 2-1 going into the final moments but the MTC exploded into life as Hill were awarded an 89th minute penalty. Hero Chris Whelpdale calmly steered it home to make it 2-2.
After seven league games Hill are safely tucked in into 13th place but they will be looking to turn those draws into wins – and continue with those late goals.
BHTFC and Haywards Heath College have joined together to set up the BHTFC U19 Academy. Students will have the opportunity to have full-time further education and play competitive football on Wednesdays. The scheme is overseen by Gary Mansell and managed by Berty Oliva.
The first match ensued at Priory Lane, Eastbourne, last Wednesday. A full-blooded encounter was played out in perfect conditions with around 50 fans watching on.
Thomas Sekyere tapped home for Hill on 14 minutes but Borough produced a good spell scoring two quick half-time goals. Hill hit the bar and a post late on, but the hosts held on to a 2-0 victory.
This new venture is going to be very exciting playing teams like Dover, Maidstone and Tonbridge. It’s a great opportunity for the U19s and supporters who might like to watch competitive midweek daytime football. They play Tonbridge at the MTC on September 23, 2pm kick-off.
Some 550 members of the club’s junior section are gearing up for their league and cup campaigns. It was a stunning morning in Mid Sussex last weekend when the MTC pitch was packed with youngsters being put through their paces, the club now operating with over 60 managers.
The U7s, for example, train for an hour on Saturday mornings then play their games at Broadfield 3G Crawley on Sundays. At this age group none of the results or tables are published as the aim is to offer a fun environment away from any competitive constraints.
On Sunday BH Women played their first league game of the season against a strong-looking Horsham side. Hill got off to the perfect start as Pheobe Casco scored with the first attack. Jacey Mcnebee and Heidi Bryant added further goals before the break.
Hill wrapped up a 3-0 win and assistant manager Jacob Bennett said: “We have been working hard on our defensive play so are delighted with the clean sheet.”