Burgess Hill Town’s promotion push gathers pace – but hectic times are ahead

They’re up to fourth spot in the Isthmian south east division after the weekend’s trip to face Deal Town resulted in their fourth straight win – and another five goals to their tally.

But their bid for Sussex Senior Cup glory is over – they lost 5-4 on penalties to Brighton U21s at Lancing on Tuesday night after a gallant effort and a 0-0 draw in their last-16 tie.

On Saturday, two goals apiece by Ben Pope and Stefan Vukoje and one from Bobby Price sealed the deal at Deal and left them nicely placed among the leading pack.

Jay Lovett and Gary Mansell’s side have three or, in some cases, four games in hand over the other sides in the top six – giving them a great chance to remain in the mix and grab a play-off spot at the end of the season.

Their last league setback came against Broadbridge Heath at the end of November and this latest win was the second time this term they’d scored five.

One challenge for them as they try to keep pace with the top sides will be the sheer number of games they have left to play.

They have two league games a week scheduled for each of the next five weeks – and will hope the wintry weather improves, for any more postponements will leave them with a heavy schedule in the vital final month.

Their latest call-off came on New Year’s Day after the clubhouse at Leylands Park suffered room damage in the storms.

Club officials, volunteers and the community rallied round to fix the damage and get the facility back in use within days.

Hill next put their promotion credentials on the line on Saturday at home to 15th-placed AFC Croydon Athletic. They go to 10th-placed Erith Town next Tuesday.

Meanwhile Hassocks and Haywards Heath’s bids for SCFL premier division honours were put on hold by the weather last weekend.

Both hope to return to action on Saturday, with the Robins due to visit Wick and Heath at home to Pagham.