Burgess Hill Town face vital trio of Isthmian tests
Manager Gary Mansell says Burgess Hill Town are in a hectic run of games that could define their season.
It’s a two-matches-a-week spell that is testing the squad – but so far, the Hillians are coming through the challenges pretty well.
They sit 11th but only two points off the Isthmian Premier play-off places and are into round two of the FA Trophy.
And with another three league games coming up in eight days, starting this Saturday, Mansell reckons they’ll know much more about their season’s prospects soon.
Hill bounced back from their October 17 defeat at Welling when they visited AFC Whyteleafe last Wednesday, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 thanks to a Charlie Lambert double and late Yoan Edoukou winner.
On Saturday they drew 3-3 at division-below Erith Town in the FA Trophy, having led 3-1 through a Harry Lawson double and Jack Strange goal, but won 5-4 on penalties.
The second round draw has given them a trip to National South side Dover Athletic, due to take place on Saturday, November 14.
On Tuesday night it was back to league action at St Albans City, where a heavily depleted team lost 3-1 despite a second half fightback from 2-0 down at the break.
Now come league games at home to leaders Enfield on Saturday and at Wingate next Tuesday and Chatham Saturday week.
Mansell said: “The games are coming thick and fast and I think the next few will tell us a lot about how our season could pan out.
“The league table will start to settle down and we aim to be in a good position after this next batch of games.
“At Whyteleafe we were good value for the win. We played well but got caught on the break against a side who I think will do well this season – their forward line is exceptional.
“At Erith in the Trophy, we really should have won it in the 90 minutes. We were 3-1 up then it was 3-3 in the blink of an eye.
“It was great to get through but we were disappointed not to get a home tie in the next round.”
Mansell was disappointed in their first half showing at St Albans and by the defending for the hosts’ third goal. See his post-match interview at St Albans in the video player above.
Mansell said they were relishing their next trio of Isthmian Premier games.
“Enfield are a good footballing side having a great season and they will come to us and have a go, which should suit us,” he said.
“Then we go to Wingate and Chatham, who are both very close to us in the table. The number of games is putting pressure on the squad. We’re feeling the strain somewhat but it’s the same for everyone.”