Burgess Hill Town's FA Cup run is halted at Hanwell
Burgess Hill Town are out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat at Hanwell Town.
Hill travelled to London on a cloudy Saturday for the second qualifying round tie, looking to build on their victory over Jersey Bulls in their first qualifying round replay the previous Tuesday.
Both sides started positively as they looked to break the deadlock. The Hillians created several opportunities, with Reggie Ward going close before Chris Whelpdale produced the highlight of the half with an audacious effort from the halfway line which narrowly missed the target.
Just before half-time, Charlie Lambert came close after applying pressure to the Hanwell goalkeeper. The ball deflected off Lambert and narrowly wide of the post and into the side netting, leaving the scores level at the interval.
Hanwell started the second half brightly and almost caught the Hillians defence off guard, but the home side were denied by the woodwork. Burgess Hill began to grow into the game, with Lambert going close from inside the area before Yoan Edoukou also threatened from close range.
The Hillians made their first change shortly afterwards, with George Vorster replacing Jay Beckford as they looked to add fresh attacking impetus.
However, just before the hour mark, Hanwell took the lead. A loose ball 25 yards from goal fell to Jordan Esprit, whose volley took a deflection before finding the top corner beyond Roco Rees.
Hill responded positively. Lambert was replaced by Ben Pope, who made an immediate impact. Pope drove into the left-hand side of the penalty area before seeing his effort strike the post and rebound away.
The Hillians continued to push for an equaliser, with Whelpdale and Hamish Morrison both denied by saves from the Hanwell goalkeeper in quick succession.
With 15 minutes remaining Shamir Fenelon replaced Harry Lawson, before Jake King was introduced for Whelpdale with just under ten minutes remaining.
Hanwell looked to have sealed the victory in the final minute of normal time when a defensive error allowed Henry Snee to race through on goal. Snee kept his composure to slot the ball past Rees and double the home side’s advantage.
Seven minutes of added time gave the Hillians one final opportunity to respond. Good work from Vorster down the right saw him deliver a cross into the area, where Fenelon was on hand to finish from close range and give Burgess Hill hope.
Despite a determined late effort, the Hillians were unable to find a second goal, bringing their Cup adventure to an end.
It was a hard-fought afternoon and a huge thank you goes to all the Hill supporters who made the journey to Hanwell.
Next it’s FA Trophy action for Gary Mansell’s side as they host Winslow United in the FA Trophy on Saturday.