There is no shying away from the fact that it has been a tough start to the 2022/23 season for Jay Lovett’s men but there are some signs that fortunes are starting to change and an upturn in form is right around the corner.

The Hillians went down 2-0 to Littlehampton on Bank Holiday Monday but they had to play 70+ minutes with 10 men after an early Reggie Ward red card and subsequent penalty. For large periods of the second half the Hillians were well on top and had it not been for 2 extraordinary saves and a cruel own goal – the result could’ve been different. Our hosts from Tolworth ply their trade in the Isthmian Premier division, a league above Burgess Hill but we are no stranger to visiting King George’s Field or facing the Casuals. We have won on our last 2 visits to Tolworth, against the same opposition in the Velocity Trophy and a league match against Kingstonian who were ground sharing at the time. Tussles between the South Londoners and the Hillians are always cracking affairs and this 1st Round Qualifying tie will be no different.

The Casuals enter the FA Cup at this stage and in the league they are currently Sat 18th having accrued 5 points from their opening 5 matches. Last time out they fell 2-1 to Aveley on Bank Holiday Monday.

A very safe journey to the capital to all Hill connections making the trip to King George’s Field on Saturday Afternoon.