Broadbridge v Haywards: Battle of the Heaths draws plenty of FA Cup interest

Broadbridge Heath will take on Haywards Heath this Saturday, September 12, in the preliminary round at The Countryside Stadium, Broadbridge Heath, kicking off at 3pm.

This is the second match in this year's FA Cup for Broadbridge Heath, having dispatched Raynes Park Vale 3-1 last Tuesday in a thrilling match in front of a 240-strong crowd. The FA and the DCMS have been working closely to allow spectators back into non league football and their decision last month to allow this to happen is a much welcome one for Broadbridge Heath.

First team manager Chris Simmons said: "It has been a very long pre season and we were training without any indication of when competitive football would restart. Then in a very short space of time it was announced that the FA Cup would begin and league matches would commence the first weekend of September.

"Although it was great to have the season under way it was frustrating that this would be behind closed doors, although we of course respect this requirement during these difficult times. However, the decision to open the gates to spectators just in time for our FA Cup run and the league opener was a welcome one."

Curiously, this Saturday's game is thought to be the first time in the history of the FA Cup there has been a tie involving two teams with 'Heath' as a separate word in their title - according to @facupfactfile on Twitter.

With a FA Cup victory under their belt the Bears travelled to Eastbourne United AFC last Saturday for the first league fixture of the season. Some unfortunate errors allowed Eastbourne to come away 3-0 winners.

"We were comfortable throughout the game but three unfortunate errors that are unlikely to happen again cost us. The team spirit and discipline shown during and after the game was great," said coach Kristian Sorensen.

The Bears are looking forward to welcoming spectators back this weekend while hoping to overcome opposition from a higher league and move one step closer to the first round proper of the FA Cup. The ground will have the capacity attendance capped in line with Covid regulations and all spectators are asked to adhere to the social distancing guidelines as advised by the Government and they will be required to provide their details to support the NHS Track and Trace.

If you can't wait until the weekend then the gates will also be open this evening (Tuesday) for a league fixture versus Horley Town (7:45pm).

Tickets for both fixtures are available at the turnstile and more information about these games can be found at www.pitchero.com/clubs/broadbridgeheathfc or on the club's social channels @thebearsbbhfc.