Title-chasing Haywards Heath hand Billingshurst a biggest defeat

For the second time in four days Billingshurst suffered defeat against a side gunning for the league - this their heaviest loss of the season at home to Haywards Heath.
JPCT 270413 S13180528x Billingshurst v Haywards Heath Town -photo by Steve CobbJPCT 270413 S13180528x Billingshurst v Haywards Heath Town -photo by Steve Cobb
JPCT 270413 S13180528x Billingshurst v Haywards Heath Town -photo by Steve Cobb

Hurst boss Mark Betts admitted they were well beaten as they went down 5-0 to Haywards Heath at Jubilee Fields. He said: “We were beaten by the best side in our division, who have already won two cups and have every chance of winning the league so there was no disgrace in losing, just disappointment in the manner of the defeat.

“We were well short of our normal selves while they were right up for it. Since Malcolm (Saunders, joint manager) and I took over I’m pretty sure that’s the biggest drubbing we’ve had.”

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A fairly soft penalty put Heath ahead after only five minutes. The hosts had a great chance to draw level when striker Darren Annis beat the keeper with a lob but on the hard turf the ball bounced up over the crossbar.

Jamie Wanstall scored just before half time and both he and penalty scorer Andy Tuckey added a second after the break, with Kieron Purkiss rounding off the scoring.

Hurst (3-5-2): Betts; Simmons (McLeanon 65), Proto, R Carse; Geary, Tilley, J Carse (Elliott 65), Lambkin, Lewis; Annis, Saunders.