Drama all the way – but Burgess Hill Town win FA Trophy tie at Erith Town

With heavy rain sweeping across the south east, both sides served up a first-round classic on a grass pitch that held up remarkably well in difficult conditions.

A Harry Lawson double and a Jack Strange goal had put the Hillians 3-1 ahead, but a dramatic late Erith comeback forced the tie to penalties. Hill held their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks to secure a 5-4 shootout win.

Manager Gary Mansell made four changes, bringing experienced defenders Jack Strange and Brad Barry into the heart of the back line, while Harry Lawson came into the starting line-up.

Hill began confidently as the hosts sat deep, allowing the central defenders space to step forward and pick out passes.

George Vorster was heavily involved down the right, despite attracting close attention from two defenders, while Nicky Wheeler found more space on the left and delivered several dangerous crosses. The visitors forced three early corners as they took control.

The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour following one of the best moves of the first half. Vorster turned his marker brilliantly before delivering an excellent left-footed cross, and Lawson was on hand to sidefoot the loose ball beyond the keeper to put Hill ahead.

Mansell was forced into a change when Reggie Ward suffered a leg injury, with Jake King introduced. Despite Hill appearing in control, Erith struck with their first real attack. Following a throw-in on the right, the hosts switched play quickly to the left, where a cross from the byline led to a 45th-minute equaliser. The sides went into the break level at 1-1.

Barry was replaced by Luca Cocoracchio at half-time as the rain continued. Hill again started on the front foot, with Lawson at the centre of much of their attacking play. In the 65th minute, Ben Pope laid the ball back to Lawson, who struck a superb right-footed effort from 18 yards into the top corner to restore the visitors’ lead.

The Hillians were moving the ball crisply and looking to attack at every opportunity. There was another injury concern when Joel Daly was forced off after picking up a knock, but in the 80th minute, Strange controlled the ball following a corner before firing home to make it 3-1, seemingly putting the tie beyond Erith.

The hosts, however, had other ideas. In the 87th minute, Erith took a free-kick quickly from deep on the left while Hill were disputing the decision. A fine delivery found an unmarked defender, who headed beyond Roco Rees to reduce the deficit.

Erith threw men forward in the closing stages and found a dramatic equaliser in the final minute. Hill were unable to clear a cross despite desperate defending, and the loose ball fell to an Erith midfielder, who drove it home to make it 3-3 and send the tie to penalties.

The Hillians showed composure in the shootout. Rees dived to his right to save Erith’s second penalty, and with all five Hill takers converting, Yoan Marc-Olivier’s spot-kick was the decisive one to send Mansell’s side through.

Man of the match Lawson reflected on his season and his second goal. “I have very much enjoyed the season but am continually looking forward,” he said. Describing his goal, he added: “I was hanging around looking for an opportunity. Ben won a 50-50 ball and laid it back, and I hit it first time. It went through bodies and rose into the net.”

Hill will visit Dover Athletc in the next round on November 14.