Late blow but Hilliansremain in good heart

Burgess Hill will go into their second successive Saturday cup tie in continued good heart despite conceding a disputed late equaliser at home to second-placed Crawley Down Gatwick on Tuesday.
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Division 1 North side Wroxham make the long journey from Norwich for a FA Trophy tie that should hold no fears for Ian Chapman’s team. Wroxham are currently in mid-table, with four wins and two draws from 12 games.

Tuesday’s 1-1 derby draw came after narrow away defeats to Ryman South leaders Walton Casuals and Conference South highflyers Bromley but Chapman is delighted with his team’s form in the last six matches.

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“We’re playing some really good stuff at the moment but must learn how to go on and win games,” he said. “At the moment we’re dropping points where the really good teams would not be.”

Joe Keehan is doubtful after straining a groin on Tuesday and so too is Max Lake-Edwards with an ankle injury but assistant manager Stuart Tuck could be fit to return.

That would solve problems in the centre of defence. Keehan’s departure after 34 minutes earned Joe Kay his debut and he impressed Chapman at left back, while Sam Fisk went into the middle to partner Toby Pointing.

It unsettled Hillians but they adapted well and Down did not get a real sight of goal until five minutes from time when referee John Pike ruled skipper Darren Budd had handled. His opposite number Lee Carey coolly slotted away the spot kick for a fortunate equaliser.

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Hillians had broken the deadlock on 62 minutes when Curtis Gayler’s free kick deceived everyone and curled in at the far post.

For all their slick and composed play, Hillians are not creating too many chances at present but Pat Harding should have put them in front after only four minutes when Fisk’s delicious cross was sent just wide by a glancing header.

It was their best chance of the night but when Gayler’s luck turned with that free kick goal, they looked almost certain winners.

But that disputed penalty cost them dearly and it could have been even worse had Dapo Kayode not hit a shot straight at keeper Alan Mansfield in stoppage time. A winner for the visitors then would have been insult to injury for Hillians.

Hillians: Mansfield; Watts, Pointing, Keehan, Fisk; Armstrong, Budd, Slaughter, Gayler; P Harding, Curd. Subs: Kay (Keehan, 34). Unused: Kirkwood, Luer, Miller, Morrish.

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