Darren Budd wonder strike sees Burgess Hill through in FA Trophy

Leatherhead were a tough draw as they sit in the mid of the Ryman Premier League Table.

Instantly from the kick off both teams looked keen to go ahead early.

Leatherhead’s Vasileios Karagiannis sent the ball goal bound after just 3 minutes but luckily for Burgess Hill Toby Pointing was there to head the dangerous ball out for a throw in. Burgess Hill Town quickly responded and Pat Harding had an effort 2 minutes later when Greg Luer crossed the ball over and Pat, with his back to the goal attempted an overhead kick that ended up being an easy save from the Leatherhead keeper Max Huxter.

19 minutes into the game, Scott Kirkwood had to be stretchered off the field after obtaining a game ending injury. This forced Ian Chapman to make a substitution and he elected to bring on Spencer Slaughter.

Leatherhead made the most of the squad shake up and straight away went 1-0 ahead after a Vasileious Karagiannis shot evaded the hands of Josh James in the Hillians goal. Burgess Hill had a couple of great opportunities to equalise on 35 minutes when Darren Budd hit the ball up field and into the box where Pat Harding sent the ball just over the bar. Then Spencer Slaughter also came close after his powerful shot was well saved.

The score stayed 1-0 until the half time whistle blew.

Leatherhead once again were quick off the mark and just 4 minutes into the second half they doubled their lead. Carl Rook headed home their second goal of the afternoon after a mix up in the Burgess Hill defence.

Ian Chapman made a further change on 53 minutes when he replaced Pat Harding with Dan Perry. The fresh legs of the fast paced Dan Perry allowed Burges Hill to start playing more attacking football and Burgess Hill won themselves a penalty when he was brought down in the box by the Leatherhead keeper. Joe Keehan stepped up to take the shot and calmly sent the ball soaring into the opposition’s net. Joe Keehan then got the chance to get another goal for Burgess Hill when another penalty was awarded for Greg Luer being brought down in the box. Once again, Joe Keehan sent the ball powerfully past Max Huxter who had no chance of saving the ball. With new found optimism, Burgess Hill continued to push and on the 87th minute Darren Budd hit a wonder strike that found its way into the top left corner. With 4 minutes of extra time to play out, Burgess Hill tried to keep hold of possession and secure the win. The crowd erupted as the final whistle blew and this victory sends Burgess Hill Town through to the next round of the FA Trophy after this triumphant second half come back.

Burgess Hill Town: Josh James, Neil Watts, Toby Pointing, Darren Budd, Andy Pearson, Will Miles, Scott Kirkwood (Spencer Slaughter 19), Joe Keehan, Pat Harding (Dan Perry 53), Greg Luer, Rob O’Toole

Unused Subs: Stuart Tuck, Lee Harding, Callum Saunders