Set-pieces are Burgess Hill Town’s undoing at Whitehawk

Hill took the lead in the 7th minute when George Vorster’s overhit cross was teed up by Ben Pope for Kaan Bennett to finish calmly.

Despite an electric start, the Hillians struggled to create further chances in the half, with an equaliser soon coming from a free-kick scuffle that Joel Daly gladly benefitted from to level the scoreline.

The second half showed a similar trajectory to the first.

Hill dominated the ball for the opening ten minutes, with good chances going to waste this time around, and just like the first half, Whitehawk regained control and punished the visitors – this time with a penalty tucked away by Charlie Lambert in the 65th minute.

Hill’s defeat was sealed when former Hillian Nathan Cooper headed in another set-piece in the 73rd minute, earning him his second goal against his former side this season.

Burgess Hill are now winless in four games against the Hawks, with their last victory coming back in January 2022 in the Isthmian south-east division.

This game also brought a debut for goalkeeper Micheal Dike and the Brighton and Hove loanee made multiple impressive saves to prevent his new side any further misery against their county rivals.

This result sees Hill drop to 9th in the Isthmian premier division, with seven points separating them from Chatham Town in the last place in the play-off zone.

The attendance at the Enclosed Ground was 354, with a large portion forming the Hill’s away support who gave up their Valentines Day to back the team in a tough away derby.

Hill now look forward to the home match against Wingate and Finchley on Saturday.

Hill: Michael Dike, Hamish Morrison, Bobby Price (Harry Lawson 88), Glen Rea, Josh Spinks, Alex Malins, Chris Whelpdale (James Stone 66), Kieran Rowe, Ben Pope, Kaan Bennett, George Vorster (Jay Beckford 66). Subs not used: Ryan Worrall and Reggie Ward.

…

FILL THE HILL

This Saturday (Feb 21), Burgess Hill Town are offering FREE ENTRY to everyone for their Isthmian Premier League game against Wingate & Finchley.

The ground opens at midday and the Hillians have put on live music with local band The Driscoll Brothers playing as they officially open HomeCall Carpets fanzone between 1pm and 2pm where a new stretch tent has been installed.

Local breweries Only with Love and North Garden Brewery will be running pop-up bars with a mini-beer festival going on and there is extra catering with a pie and mash stand servings pies from Bangers Pie Shop in Brighton and a Loaded Nachos stand as well as the Back of the Net Burger Hut being open and the main bar.

The club are encouraging as many people from the town and surrounding area to experience a day out at the stadium for anyone – ideal for all would like to experience some non-league football. The club say: “Bring your friends and family and let’s Fill the Hill.”