Burgess Hill Town accept need to play waiting game

Burgess Hill Town played Hassocks in the Ann John Memorial Trophy, winning 8-1, but they'll not be restarting their league campaign yet / Picture: Chris Neal

The Hillians had hoped to be back in Isthmian south east division action any time now, but a vote by clubs last week has put things on hold.

It’s because the league, and others at the same level, have a mixture of teams in Covid tier two regions and the more restricted tier three, and it’s felt that restarting now while some clubs would not be allowed fans would be unfair.

The chaos has had one unexpected upside for Burgess Hill. They are through to next Tuesday’s second round of the FA Trophy after their first-round opponents Margate, who they were due to visit on Tuesday this week, pulled out of the competition.

The Gate decided as they were in tier three and the league was not restarting, that was the best and safest course of action.

That put Jay Lovett’s team into yesterday’s combined draw for the second and third rounds, which are scheduled to take place next Tuesday (December 15) and the following Saturday.

Hillians general manager and director John Rattle said: “We’re obviously frustrated at the league not restarting because, once the season has started, no-one wants to see it stop.

“But these are different times – normal rules are out of the window – as we as a club believe it has to be fair for everyone.

“The league has always said that at our level we need to play in front of fans to assist with finances. We can’t forget that.”

Rattle said he remained hopeful the Isthmian League programme would resume soon. The next review is planned for soon after the government has reviewed its tiered lockdown areas in about a week’s time.

“We got started after the first lockdown and I’m sure we’ll get started after this one. The league have said they’re committed to getting the season finished, which is what everyone wants,” Rattle added.

Lovett’s men showed they’d not lost their sharpness during the month-long break, winning 8-1 at Hassocks in the Ann John Memorial match last Saturday.

This Saturday, the Hillians will host Chipstead in a friendly. Kick-off is 3pm and admission is just £5.