VIDEO: Derby stalemate

Both Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex hit the woodwork but neither could make the breakthrough in a goalless draw.

This week Hill play hosts to Crawley at the Triangle (10.30), where they will be hoping find more of a cutting edge.

It has been a testing time for Hill’s 2nd team, who went out of the Shield on penalties against Lewes 4ths on the first Saturday of 2014 and then last weekend were edged out 2-1 by a more experienced Honeybees team.

The cup tie was played in appalling weather, with heavy rain and a strong wind. The teams were evenly matched and the tie finished 3-3 before Lewes went through 3-1 on penalties.

Good attacking runs from midfield by Lucy Perry, Olivia Harding, Tanisha Bolton and Rosie Crichton gave Hill plenty of hope but Lewes always looked dangerous on the break and took a 2-0 lead before Tammy Falls and Lucy Venables levelled.

After the break Venables scored after a blistering run from halfway but though keeper Wendy Caddye performed valiantly, she was finally beaten to take the tie to penalties.

Against Honeybees, Hill launched plenty of fast paced attacks and created a host of chances but they made only one count with a well struck shot from the top of the D by Perry.

Hill’s enthusiasm and desire never faltered but Bees naturally had more power and finally made it tell as they struck twice for a 2-1 win.

One goal was enough to give Hill 3rds victory over a Hailsham 2nds team who were three places above them.

Hill were under the cosh for the first 20 minutes but held out thanks to some telling tackles by Sally Vans Agnew and Alison Gillham, together with good support in the centre from Chris Mclellan.

Gradually Hill forced their way into the contest as Lucy Matthews and Chelsea Hartman mounted some good raids down the wings.

Jodie Gower was prominent in defence after the break, when the only goal arrived midway through when a run and cross by Gillian Branagan finally enabled Tammy Falls to hit the target.

Hill Ambers, the club’s Development League team, beat local rivals Mid Sussex 2-1 courtesy of goals at either end of the first half.

A great run and cross by Grace Vans Agnew enabled Jennifer Chee to sweep them ahead after only six minutes but it was 35 minutes in before pressure told again as Sophie Medland claimed a well taken goal.

Mids saw more of the ball after the break and pegged one back on the hour. Then as the game opened up, Hill were unlucky not to add a third after a great attack by Claudia Thornton.

Meanwhile, Mid Sussex Colts were beaten 4-2 at home in a league clash with Horsham Hotshots.