Burgess Hill Town enjoy another seven-goal thriller as Ramsgate are beaten

Only three minutes had passed before Ben Pope opened the scoring with an audacious acrobatic volley, and not long after, Reggie Ward doubled the Hillians’ lead with a sensational strike from outside the penalty area.

The game saw new signing Max Fiddes make his first start for the club; a chance he took full advantage of as he scored Burgess Hill’s third inside 20 minutes on his home debut.

Fiddes’ threat in behind the Ramsgate defence was a danger for the entire game, and on another occasion, he could have scored a hatful.

Ramsgate fought well to recover from their horror start and found themselves level after an hour, with the Hill seeing mistakes punished by Billy Munday and Ian Gayle either side of half-time, as well as a penalty swiftly converted by skipper Alfie Paxman.

The visitors did not remain level for long however, as Luke Gambin played a looping cross that had the keeper beaten, and allowed Chris Whelpdale to nod in his 10th league goal of the season in the 66th minute to make it 4-3.

The Rams had pushed with everything they had to try to find a late equaliser, but the Hill defended well to see out the game and win a massive three points for the club.

It was a very promising performance that saw many players step up after the loss at Chatham Town last time out, including Alfie Mansell coming into goal to replace the suspended Roco Rees, and Luke Gambin filling the large boots of Martyn Box after his unfortunate injury.

This result propels Burgess Hill into the Isthmian premier play-off places in fifth place, while Ramsgate drop down a place to 11th.

The game was overseen by a bouncing crowd of 683, who had made their voices heard for every second of the action.

Hill: Alfie Mansell, Hamish Morrison, Reggie Ward, Glen Rea, Josh Spinks, Harry Lawson, Chris Whelpdale, Kieran Rowe, Max Fiddes, Ben Pope, Luke Gambin (Stefan Vukoje 76). Subs not used: Brannon O’Neill, Jack Meeres, Ryan Worrall, Bobby Price.