Autumn 2024.
Welcome to Edition 5 of our BHTFC diary which has been following the on and off field activities since January 2024 when Gary Mansell took over as Manager at Sevenoaks FC. We felt compelled to compile such a record for the history books especially as a ‘New Order’ has taken over at Leylands Park. With our new joint owners, David, Vicky, Vince and Tina on board we hope that the club and this column will progress nicely up the pyramid and take in some exciting cup runs along the way. Edition 4 described how our close season went both on the pitch and exciting stadium refurbishment. In this edition we get very competitive as season 2024/25 gets under way. We take you from defeat at Sevenoaks to a brilliant win against Beckenham in early October. It’s been a very busy start!
7th August 2024 BHTFC Women’s Team Grace the Homecall.
Our new and exciting Women’s team played their 1st home preseason game under the Homecall lights against Eastbourne Borough. Under clear skies and before a nice mid-week crowd there was a jovial atmosphere as both teams a had a good run out. Eastbourne showed their class and experience running out five one winners. Manager Tom Clingo was proud of his team but hinted that work needed to be done on fitness levels.
We look forward to covering our Women’s Squad as their season progresses.
10th August 2024 Sevenoaks 3 BHTFC 1 Isthmian South East.
The league season finally kicked off on a hot and sultry day in Kent as BHTFC travelled to Greatness Park. A healthy smattering of visiting fans watched the Hill turn on the style for 20 mins. However, it was the hosts to take the lead 26 mins as Mfula stole a yard and smashed the ball home.
Hill pressed well on the gorgeous 4G surface in the 2nd half and Kieran Rowe made it one one. Unfortunately, the Oaks stopper had one of those brilliant games and to make matters worse they scored two late goals to take the game three one. Across the club we took a sharp intake of breath but then quickly put it behind us. Joint owner David Corney quipped ‘Sevenoaks, never heard of it!’
11th and 13th August Women’s and U18s squads in pre season action.
Both teams continued with preseason as the Womens team beat Cranleigh seven nil. Megan Hoare scored two and picked up the Player of the Match award. Manager Clingo was pleased with attacking flair but was proud of that all-important clean sheet.
On the Tuesday evening fans were treated to fast paced crazy evening as BH and Rusthall enjoyed a six six draw. Hill battled to six four with just five mins remaining. After a gift Rusthall found the strength to score a last gasp header. Joint Manager Bertie Oliva was thrilled with the attacking performance but was quick to admit there were things to work on. He was very pleased with the size of the crowd who filled in.
15th 16th August Last min stadium updates.
The volunteers were out in force getting the stadium and pitch ready for the 1st competitive game. The place looked immaculate
17th BHTFC 2 Eastbourne 1 FAC Prelim
Nathan Cooper made his debut as Hill played extremely well in the 1st period. On ten mins the Hillians took a deserved lead after Kieran Rowe smashed home a 25 yard shot into the top corner. Chances staked up during a dominant half and there was no surprise a second duly arrived. It was care of Martyn Box’s right foot.
Perhaps there was some surprise that EB opened the 2nd half with an early goal. With the game ebbing and flowing EB might have taken it back to the Saffrons in the last min. A free header was blazed over the bar. Hill held on.
Jay Lovett said ‘its always nice to get a win. Our objective was to bounce back from last week. We were excellent in the 1st half and needed to more than two up. They gave it a real go in the 2nd half, and we might have taken our foot off the gas. We are putting together the patterns that we have been working on, but we need to be a little more ruthless’
Hill through to the next round!
22nd August 2024 BHTFC U18s 5 Lewes U18s 1 Isthmian Youth South
Played out at a rainy Homecall Hill used the slick surface to fizz the ball around nicely. Fletcher Fane found a yard of space and tried his luck from 25 yards. The ball arrowed into the bottom corner. Jake King held his nerve to calmly roll home the 2nd from 8 yards. Henry York Johnson made it three with a power header. Three Nil HT
Lewes pulled one back on 48 mins however Hill soon recovered their authority. Mid way through the 2nd half a brilliant one touch move was finished with an exquisite King dink past an on rushing keeper. Damien Theodore completed a great night bending home a 5th goal.
Oliva said later ‘we asked the boys to start well and set the tone we couldn’t fault them. We want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible and then get shots off’ He sent out praise to our ground staff saying, ‘the pitch played perfectly, and we enjoyed being out there!’
It was a brilliant night around the Homecall as our U18s got their League campaign off to a flyer.
23rd August 10,000 leaflet drop completed.
The last few, of 10,000 leaflets were dropped down Folders Lane. Regular readers will recall that in early August Joint Owner David Corney had produced 10,000 leaflets giving details and a full fixture list of BHTFC. We won’t know the effect of this exercise, but we have had hints that people have been talking about them. Hopefully we get traction from the local population and a number of new fans might just pop by to see what’s going on.
From David and Vicky, a huge thanks to everyone who helped with the delivery phase of this exercise. Your help was appreciated.
26th August Bank Holiday Monday Eastbourne Town 0 BHTFC 3 Isthmian South East
Perhaps a LANDMARK occasion as Hill dominated and win their 1st league game of the new season. On a beautiful sunny day with warm temps many Hill fans were in house soaking up a great performance by their team.
The Hit Man Dan Perry lite the fuse finishing off a wonderful move mid-way through the 1st half. He slammed his shot into the far corner. EB, were controversially down to ten men as Dan Hull was sent off after a decision by the linesman. Early in the 2nd half Perry sends the travelling support into raptures as he side foots home a Box cross. This was Perry at his very best being in the right place at the right time. A real poachers goal. Late on Pope squared to sub Alex Brewer who neatly thrashed home from 8 yards.
It was a result that had all Hill connections buzzing with excitement and induced an enjoyable trip back to Mid Sussex. Obviously the ‘Hit Man’ will get all the headlines, but it was an afternoon where our defensive unit stood up strong. We interviewed Slav and my Man of the Match Alex Malins who were very pleased to keep a clean sheet.
If this is a blueprint for the coming season, then BHTFC are in for a thrilling ride. Strap yourself in.
Womens Team Enjoy Mid Week away Fixture under lights. BHTFC 0 Dockers 5 28/08/2024
Our new Women’s Team continued their Pre-Season with an exciting opportunity to play the Dockers away. Newhaven Town are a wonderful team, three divisions higher, and play on the state-of-the-art astro surface. Under the lights our squad gave everything but ran into a Dockers teams that were fluent and took their chances well.
Despite the loss Manager Tom Clingo said he was very proud of his team and thought that it was a hugely worthwhile experience.
Huge thanks to Newhaven for the opportunity, we enjoyed our time with you. Good luck for the season.
BHTFC Advance in the Fa Cup against AFC Croydon 31/08/2024 Did Stormzy Turn Up ?
You can’t have everything in life and from all reports Croydon co owner and Rapper Stormzy didn’t make the trip to Mid Sussex! Mind you 415 were in attendance.
But BHTFC did manage to battle to a wonderful two one victory with defender Nathan Cooper grabbing a last-ditch header on 105 mins!. After a relatively calm 42 mins all sorts broke out there after. Croydon went in a goal to the good after Omilabu leathered home a loose ball.
After 50 mins Dan Perry, who has started the season like a steam train, was on hand to dive full length and get his head on a bouncing ball which had just left a post. A real poachers goal. Croydon then had a man sent off. Both teams went for a winner however the ground fell silent as the AFC keeper took a knock. It was clear that he couldn’t continue, and an ambulance was called. In the ensuing madness Hill got a corner as the clock read 105 mins.
NATHAN you beauty !!!!!
Womens Team Complete Preseason against Seagals. It was a reality check 3-1 loss. 1/9/24
On a warm, humid afternoon at the Homecall Hill seemed very slow in putting their best foot forward. Seagals enjoying a lot of the forward momentum. Indeed, they scored a good goal mid-way through. Just on HT Hill were awarded a penalty, the shot fiercely hit but cannoning off the bar and out to safety.
In perhaps the most disappointing passage of play the Seagals were allowed an easy 2nd goal just moments into the 2nd half. That sparked some excellent play from the hosts, and they deserved the goal halving the deficit. They created several excellent chances to equalise. The game though was up when Seagals found a third very late on.
Tom said later ‘I am a little disappointed and perhaps it’s a reality check as we start the League campaign next Sunday’
24/25 FA Cup Adventure Gains Momentum. 2/9/24
After a good shift put in by the Monday Club around a dozen settled in to find out the exciting 2nd Qualifying draw. There had been a lot of talk as to who we might get. Secretary Tim Spencer was glued to his lap top at 12.59. He exclaimed ‘We are at home!!!!!’
It was brilliant news that we had County teams Amersham or Newham here in Mid Sussex. Co Owner Vicky said ‘I am very pleased we are at home!’
Game to be played on 14th September 2024.
Hill beat Southall in the Trophy Ben and Alex on Hand 7/9/24
A good smattering a fan’s made the long trip to Burnham and were rewarded with a remarkable goal from centre forward Ben Pope. The game was put to bed early as Alex Brewer scored late in the 1st half. At two nil going into the 2nd half the visitor’s set up a relatively comfortable 45 mins. Jay and Gary had the luxury of bringing in fresh legs as we saw the game out.
Ben Pope might have already scored the Hillians goal of the season. From all accounts he expertly thumped a volley from the halfway line which flew into the net. Not what you might call a ‘poachers’ goal’!
Womens Team Lose 1st League Game two nil at Oakwood Two Nil 8/9/24
Our new Women’s team played out their 1st Sussex County Women and Girls Championship league match (2pm away). We didn’t have any media support at this one so there was no coverage. However, Manager Tom Clingo had suggested that Oakwood were particularly strong and so it proved. The hosts went on to keep that important clean sheet and grab those two goals.
Perry Grabs League Winner at rainy Lancing 10/9/24
In a game that wont perhaps live long in the memory there were three abiding memories. Number one was the ‘startling’ amount of rain which fell through the match. It was a little biblical at times. Dan Perry is starting the season in great form. He stabbed home a loose ball from two yards to claim the only goal of the game. And lastly a brilliant team performance in keeping yet another clean sheet.
Bowman says ‘Promotion tilts are underpinned by one nil away wins!!!’
Huge congrats to all concerned.
U18s Progress in FA Youth Cup at Broadbridge Heath. Its Ten ! 12/09/24
Our U18s were in irresistible form scoring ten unanswered goals on a good looking grass pitch under clear skies. Heath worked their socks off for 20 mins until Charlie Clayton broke the deadlock. Moments later Fletcher Fane smacked home a stunning 25 yard free kick. The flood gates opened in the 2nd half.
Adie Clayton suggested ‘it was an excellent performance; we were brilliant tonight!’
FA Cup run ends abruptly as Amersham find 97th min Winner 14/09/24
Tough couple of days!
The entire club probably didn’t sleep too well that night or perhaps on Sunday as we got over the shock of exiting the Fa Cup. Having drawn a County League team at home we would have started as favourites for the tie. However, Amersham turned up and were robust and progressive from the start. They created several chances before opening their account. Rowe and Perry did score for Hill as an exciting tie was heading for a deserved replay. However, somehow the visitors showed that little extra and on 97 mins they were in dreamland as Jake Tabor headed home a late late winer.
Bowman said ‘lets hope today is the ‘bedrock’ of the season!’
Women’s Team Progress in Cup at Worthing Town Three Two 15/09/24
Our Womens team produced a bit of much needed club magic to pull off a cup upset at Palatine Park Worthing. It was the 1st round of the Sussex Challenge Trophy.
Ellie Livingstone hit a 20 yard piledriver and Millie Morley drove home a cross to take a two one half time lead. Two became three early in the 2nd half Brogan Kirk on hand to crash in a poacher’s goal. The team robustly held out for a wonderful and moral boosting three two win.
Clingo was proud of his team as the Player of the Match was awarded to left back Lucy N.
Hill hold off late Littlehampton charge to win three two. 17/9/24
Ben Pope Brace!
On a beautiful night for football BHTFC were determined to get that cup upset out of the way and continue a good league start. It turned into a proper Homecall Midweek occasion as everything worked well and the Alliance were in full force throughout the game.
Ben Pope scored two brilliant goals in the 1st half then Ollie Davies scored his 1st senior goal (a tap in from a yard) to make it three. The Golds, to their credit did score two late goals to create a nervy finish. But Hill held on to go 6th in the Isthmian South East.
Pope said later ‘I am relieved to get my league account open!’
U18s Brilliant at Deal in Fa Youth Cup 19/9/24
A coach load of players, officials and fans travelled to Deal for an Fa Youth Cup tie. Deal broke the deadlock with a well taken penalty. That stirred a well drilled Hill team as Luca Oliva went on to a stunning hat trick and man of the match performance. There was a brilliant atmosphere on the homeward bound coach as everyone celebrated an eight three win. It was a brilliant night for the club!
Hillian’s Bow out of the Fa Trophy 21/09/24
Hillian’s lose on pens on an ‘unsavoury’ day on the West Sussex coast.
Women’s Team win League Game three nil at Woodingdean. 22/09/24
Our new Women’s team are turning into a real unit. After last weeks Cup win they followed up with an away clean sheet at Woodingdean (Mile Oak’s Ground). Ellie Livingstone (pen), Millie Morley and Brogan Kirk all scored.
Manager Clingo said ‘I am so pleased with the team performance!’ He added ‘keeping that clean sheet is a great achievement. We now can’t wait to play at home next Sunday!’
Quiz Nite returns to the Clubhouse 27/9/2024.
The ever-popular Quiz Night returned to the Club House. The event was well attended, and the club will be looking to stage more events as the season continues. Watch out on social media channels.
Damien Theodore Bursts onto the Scene as Hill beat EG at the Homecall. 28/9/24
Alex Brewer scored a brilliant poacher’s goal early in the game to settle the nerves after EG had turned us around for the 1st half. We kicked towards the clubhouse end!. EG then had the audacity to score early in the 2nd half.
With the scores locked Jay and Gary threw U18 Theodore into the action. The impact was immediate. The pacy left winger ghosted past two defenders and then struck a right foot shot which flew past the keeper for the winning goal.
Damien was all the rage post-match but just as important was the fact that Hill had picked up three massive home points.
It was a great day to be a Hillian!
Womens Team Score Six in 1st Home League match v Whitehawk 29/9/24
Hill Women completed an excellent weekend by scoring six answered goals against Whitehawk in a historic 1st league home game. On a great afternoon for football and on a superb surface Kirk produced a stunning hattrick while Delaney netted a brace in a comfortable match.
Player of the match Rachel Walker suggested later that the team were really starting to gel and it’s been great fun playing out there today. Clingo was very happy with the pitch saying, ‘brilliant surface today it really suited our style of play!’
There was a good smattering of Hill fans in the ground including our President and Chairman. Excitement continued as a large section of the squad stayed in the clubhouse to watch football on TV.
Our new Women’s Team is working out very well.
Rain and Injuries Early October.
In the wee hours of Monday 30th September torrential rain fell across the region which disrupted Monday morning club activities (the guys even had an early tea break!). It didn’t stop until early afternoon. Then late on Tuesday afternoon that same rain pulse came back south as further heavy showers swept through. It put our renovated drainage system to the test. At midday, 1st October a ref deemed the pitch playable for Sittingbourne.
The club were also battling against a number of injuries to senior players. Slav, Dan,Ben ,Nathan and Harry to name a few.
Rain and Injuries are part and parcel of a League Season and while seem a little daunting at the time hopefully Hill might now get lucky for the rest of the coming season!
Brickies Turn it on at the Homecall. Two Nil 1/10/2024
On a wet surface and continuing rain under lights the Homecall played host to an exciting Isthmian South East game. Owing to the weather only 217 turned up but from the get go our Alliance were in great voice in the Ashley Carr stand. The group were joined by Hill adopted ‘brickie’ Clive who certainly made his presence felt.
Sittingbourne are a lot of people’s Title favs and after 90 mins it was clear to see that they were going to be hard to peg back this season. Hill had some good spells and passages of play but as Mansell suggested ‘we weren’t ruthless.’
It was ultimately a disappointing night for the club as we lost two nil and we woke to a pitch that was ‘cut up!’
Mamoany, Box and Monday Club work wonders on Pitch. 2/10/2024
On Wednesday morning the club put its best foot forward and rolled up its sleeves. Around a dozen volunteers got on the pitch and did some amazing repair work. That evening Groundsman Richard and Ryan got the heavy stuff on it to cut and sweep.
That work has continued and by Saturday 5th October the pitch is back in perfect condition.
Huge congratulations and a massive thank you to everyone who helped out with this!
Women Travel to Ashford in Isthmian Cup. It’s a six love loss 2/10/2024
Our Women’s team did everything right on the night including getting to the venue on time, a brilliant warm up, team talk and even looking great in their purple kit. They worked their socks off for 90 mins in heavy rain.
However, Ashford play three levels above and were far too strong for the Hillians. The score swiftly went to four nil after just 15 mins and six nil at full time. Manager Tom said he was proud of the effort shown but was fully aware of the difference in level. ‘Ashford are a very good side!’
Thanks to all supporters who went including our Joint Owners Vince and Tina plus Vice Chair John Goss. Also, Jazz Ellie and Luke who went by train!!
Also, thanks to Ashford for hosting and giving our new team a wonderful opportunity. It’s a certainty the squad would have learnt a lot about themselves during the experience.
Hoffman Strike Enough for U18s in Fa Youth Cup against Maidstone. 3/10/2024
With arguably the best Hillian performance of the season thus far our U18s thrilled a large Homecall crowd with a controlled and professional display against much fancied Maidstone United U18s. Noah Hoffman on 23 mins let fly from distance with a shot that nicked off a United shoulder and popped over a diving keeper for the only goal of the game.
As the game got stretched United lost all discipline which resulted in two red cards. Hill then dominated but couldn’t grab a deserved 2nd goal.
Managers Berty and Adie plus the support staff deserve a huge pat on the back. Our U18s are proving the real deal this season. That was a polished performance in front of our watching Managers Jay and Gary and the full 1st team squad.
The team now face Erith at home in the next round.
Hill Defeat League Leaders four two at Home. 5/10/24
I called our Bank Holiday away win at Eastbourne as a LANDMARK VICTORY. This one can now go down as BREAKTHROUGH!
Beckenham Town turned up with a remarkable Isthmian South East away record. However, our 1st team played a very solid opening 30 mins and went two nil up. Alex Brewer and Brannon O’Neil with the goals. Becks hit back with goals either side of half time to level things up. In another dimension Hill probably would have wilted at that point and withered.
However, the current squad are showing remarkable powers and young Joe Overy scored a scorcher and then Ben Pope whacked in the 4th.
Our youngsters are playing well, forwards are scoring goals and defenders/goalkeeper are looking strong!
Well, that brings edition 5 to an exciting conclusion. As we enter a busy stretch on route to our festive games BHTFC have started 24/25 very well with 1st team, U18s and Women’s teams all doing great in their Leagues and Cup games. The Homecall is looking fabulous as the Monday Club and Ground Staff shine. This diary will now embark on an exciting adventure as we head to Ramsgate, Sheppy,host Erith U18s and Margate. We also travel to Hythe Town. Edition 6 will be available before we go to Deal Town.
Let’s Keep the Homecall Rocking!!!
