Haywards Heath Town are winners and losers in Sussex as pre-season continues

Haywards Heath striker Andy Dalhouse completed a personal 'A27 double' in a Heath shirt when he scored in games either side of the dual carriageway as Heath tasted victory and defeat on Saturday afternoon.
Andrew Dalhouse in action on Saturday. Picture by Peter ChapmanAndrew Dalhouse in action on Saturday. Picture by Peter Chapman
Andrew Dalhouse in action on Saturday. Picture by Peter Chapman

First up was the short trip to nearby Hassocks for a lunchtime kickoff where The Beacon hosted its first game in front of fans under the current Covid conditions.

A minutes silence was observed before kick-off for Heath's club photographer Grahame Lehkyj who sadly passed away last weekend.

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Shaun Saunders gives a team talk. Picture by Peter ChapmanShaun Saunders gives a team talk. Picture by Peter Chapman
Shaun Saunders gives a team talk. Picture by Peter Chapman

Hassocks took the lead shortly before half-time when veteran striker Phil Gault netted from the penalty spot.

Heath equalised through Nico Cotton mid-way through the second half when the winger earnt and converted a penalty. It was then time for Dalhouse to be reintroduced to the game to get the winner - something he vowed to do when warming up in front of a section of the Heath faithful. A well-timed run to latch on to a through ball allowed the striker to pick his spot to give Heath the victory.

A second squad of players were then given a run out at the Sussex FA headquarters in Lancing as Heath faced Isthmian Premier side Worthing FC. Adam Hinshelwood's men took a deserved 3-0 lead before Dalhouse appeared in his second game of the day and scored with a neat finish during the second half.

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It turned out to be a consolation goal for the Blues, but another good 90 minutes in the legs of the players with the start of the 2020/21 competitive season just three weeks away.

Haywards Heath's season will begin on Saturday 12th September when they travel to the winners of Broadbridge Heath or Raynes Park Vale in the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.