Welcome to Edition 6 of this fast-paced Hillians Diary where we are keeping tabs on all things BHTFC both on and off the pitch. Edition 1 took us from January 2024 as Gary Mansell and his squad travelled to Sevenoaks for his 1st game in charge. Edition 5 followed a brilliant start to season 24/25 for all our teams and some excellent work around the stadium. In this edition we start with a disappointing late goal at Merstham 12th October. However, the club moved forward with some exciting road trips and a brilliant run in the U18s Fa Youth Cup. Sit back as we take you mid-October through to the onset of Winter 2024. Watch out there is a late sting in the tail on 30th November. We fall out of the ‘Play off Zone’.
Merstham Leave it late to take a Point. Hill on the Road. Two Two 12/10/2024
As Gary alluded to in his post-match Merstham had ‘one or two’ let offs Mansell suggesting ‘They broke the goal line clearance record!’ in a thrilling Isthmian South East game. On 10 mins Hill had 4 shots blocked on the line in a thrilling passage of play. Alex Brewer did score with the next attack with a brave poacher’s goal. Brannon O’Neill swept in a beautiful 2nd early in the 2nd half, Hill seemingly cruising to victory. Merstham throw themselves a lifeline with a pin point cross and back stick header. Then deep into injury time a superb corner found tall defender Matt Drage’s head who scored a last-ditch equaliser.
Mansell perfectly summed up a club wide feeling ‘I am gutted!’
Homecall Pitch Very Wet After Rain 14/10/24
After heavy overnight rain the Monday morning club was confined to indoor work while the grounds dried. With Tuesdays massive Margate game very much on the horizon there were some furrowed brows amongst the hierarchy. However just 24 hours later the new drain renovation had clearly worked well, and the pitch was passed fit for play. As we head through this next phase of the season it’s a certainty that winter rains will continue to plague our playing surface. It’s far too early to suggest we have cracked it but the signs are good!
Reggie Powers home an 78th Min Winner Against Margate Hill up to 4th 15/10/24
Under the lights our, gorgeous Homecall was in raptures after Reggie Ward stepped off the bench to score a sensational winner. Both sets of fans would have enjoyed a real thriller here in Mid Sussex as two top quality teams went toe to toe. Bobby Price was on hand to volley home a pinpoint cross early in the 1st half. Ibriham Olutade tapped home an equaliser as the sides walked in level.
With Margate getting on top and pressing at the Ashley Carr end Hill broke forward on 78 mins with Reggie applying the finishing touch to a flowing move. He went off to celebrate as the Alliance went bonkers.
The Club House end was bouncing as Hill players came over.
Mansell said ‘tough game, tight game we are very happy to secure those three points!’ He explained ‘If we concede a goal nothing changes, we ask them to keep brave!’
BHTFC continue a positive move up the SE table. They go 4th!
Lights on Lawn Mowers Richard and Ryan get it done! 16/10/2024
In readiness for the U18s Fa Youth Cup game both Richard and Ryan were hard at work on the pitch Wednesday evening. There are some amazing clips of them driving tractors with headlight whilst mowing the grass. Their work proved exemplary many thanks to them.
U18s Progress to Fa Youth Cup 1st Round Proper. BHTFC 2 Erith 1 17/10/24
The Homecall was treated to yet another pulsating evening as defender Kai Birchley thumped home a late winner in a thrilling cup tie. Both teams turned on the style and power during what was a very entertaining game. Under a full moon and clear skies on a perfect grass pitch the scene was set. Erith scored on 30 mins to take a half time lead. Charlie Bonwick-Adams levelled early in the 2nd. With both teams striding forward looking for the winner it was Erith who blinked first. That man Kai beat two men before unleashing an unstoppable shot. The Homecall erupted!
Adie said later ‘I am delighted!’
Make no bones about it our U18s, managed by Adie and Berty, are the real deal. It will be very interesting to follow their progress.
Just to add a bit around this fixture our 1st team Management and squad were in attendance. Some even did some half time pitch repair. The crowd was 181. This all just demonstrates how important our U18s are.
Chris Whelpdale signs for BHTFC. Former League Player 18/10/2024
Former Peterborough, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon player signs for BHTFC for the rest of the season. It’s a hugely exciting and forward thinking move by the Management and he is ‘unveiled’ against Steyning.
Club Mourn passing of Club Legend Roger Puttick. Mid October 2024
All connections around the Homecall would have been touched by the presence of Roger and many would have known him very well indeed. He had held a long standing relationship with BHTFC and had fulfilled many roles over the years. It was very fitting that BHTFC v Steyning was dedicated to Roger and his family who had turned up in numbers.
Everyone will have their own memories to cherish but I believe that our President Peter Miles said it all. ‘Roger will be sadly missed as a supporter of the club and a personal friend of mine!’
RIP Roger Puttick
Despite morning rain BHTFC beat weather and Steyning Town Three One 19/10/2024
Worrying rain turned up through out the early morning however the radar had suggested that it was to be short-lived and sun would win out in the end. Volunteers were out in force forking the pitch and sweeping up autumnal leaves. By mid-day the sun was shining and all-weather related worries were put to one side as we concentrated on Steyning Town. The Homecall was in perfect condition to welcome the Puttick family and over 500 fans.
After an exciting goalless half Hill went to work in the 2nd period. O’Neil was on hand to sweep home after a pulsating move. Davies pounced on 87 to slid home the second. He hit a third deep into injury time. Steyning scored a consolation with the last action but it was Hill who dominated this one and move up to 2nd in the league.
1st Burgess Hill Primary School Initiative a Success. 19/10/2024
In a bid to promote BHTFC in the wider community co Owners David and Vicky Corney have initiated batches of 50 complimentary tickets to a pupil and one parent to each of our Primary Schools. We welcomed 34 people connected to Birchwood Groove Primary to the Steyning game and we hope they enjoyed their day. The next event will feature The Gattons to our Ashford match on 2nd November where hopefully we shall gage further participant reaction.
Women Beat Seagals at Rainy Withdean. 20/10/2024
Our exciting Women’s team under Tom and Jacob demonstrated huge improvement after a three one Challenge Cup win at the Seagals. They had lost to the same team in preseason.
As heavy rain blasted the Withdean ‘Seagals’ were never allowed to find any type of rhythm as Hill dominated. Haworth scored the 1st on 40 mins. Player of the Match Brogan Kirk turned on the style with a brilliant brace after the break. The second a powerful shot from distance.
Clingo suggested ‘I thought we were fantastic in every area of the field today!’ A glowing report after a glowing performance.
21st through 25th October a rest for the playing staff at BHTFC.
After a chaotic period of matches for all our teams it was lovely to have a few ‘quiet’ days. It gave our club just that little bit of rest bite and pitch recovery time as the sun shone across the region. High pressure very much in charge. Having said that it’s a certainty that admin and back-room staff were as busy as ever!
Coach to Ramsgate and Point a Piece it’s a Desmond! 26 /10/24
In perhaps the most eagerly awaited away match of the season thus far the club put on a Crawley Luxury Coach for players and fans alike setting off at 10 45 am. It turned into a dull day on the Kent coast with light rain falling in the 2nd half. Southwood held 914.
Fans were treated to a breathless game of football that was high in drama and excitement. Hill got off to the best of starts when O Davies smashed home from close range. An accurate ball by Ben Pope. Then on 25 mins Alex Mallins underpinned a MOM performance when heading in a brilliant corner. However never rule Ramsgate out and that man Joe Taylor scored a brilliant goal just before half time.
Ramsgate shaded the 2nd half but Hill were never out of the game. There was some ‘robust’ defending and two excellent Slav saves. A long punt from the Rams keeper resulted in a melee in the Hill box. It was somewhat perplexing as the ref pointed to the spot. Taylor stepping up two two.
Young Striker Alex Brewer might have become the Hill hero after coming off the bench. With time running out he choose to pass rather than go on and shoot. Its all part of his learning experience here at the Homecall. Next time Alex next time.
In what was a brilliant day for the club the coach dropped back at 8pm.
Workforce Busy on 28/10/24 Leaves and Verti Draining
The Monday club were making the most of dry weather to get some important jobs down around the stadium. They completed laying some new turf in the goal mouths, swept up leaves, tidied up the car park and retrieved a match ball from high up in a tree!. All the while Stuart Rittman of Fisher Lane Groundcare were on site with a tractor verti draining the entire pitch. It’s a task that happens twice a year and aids drainage.
Huge High Pressure Over Eastern Europe Keeps Sussex Dry for Weeks 20/10 through Mid-November.
A huge and persistent high-pressure system over eastern Europe has forced the jet stream north. This in turn has pushed any Atlantic rains northwards and away from Mainland Britian. Rain has been in short supply across our region leading to a dry late October and early November. From 20th October to perhaps mid-November our pitch has had a real chance to dry out and have work done to it. It’s meant game certainty which has been fantastic. It makes running a football club just that little bit easier.
We will keep an eye on this situation going forward. This all broke on 19th November when rain turned up across the region. Enough to have our Velocity game at Merstham postponed. Then Storm Bert turned up on Saturday 23rd which was enough to cancel our league game at East Grinstead.
Lewis Taylor Stars in Velocity Cup Win 29/10/2024. Hill beat Broadbridge on Pens
On a dry evening at the Homecall under lights our rising stars were given huge chance to shine in the Velocity Cup. The match turned into a very entertaining encounter as Heath came to play ball. They went in one nil to the good. However, it was our elder statesman, and fans pin up Lewis Taylor who found the equaliser, neatly sidestepping the keeper, forcing a penalty shootout. He scored in that too as Hill won 4 3 on pens.
Our young stars came in for a lot of praise however Lewis demonstrated his love for the game and fitness. He truly is STAR QUALITY!
Nuts and Bolts come apart at the Homecall 2/11/2024
BHTFC 2 Ashford 1 Joe Overy scores a late stunner!
On a beautiful dry, mild still day for football Ashford United turned up in Mid Sussex desperately trying to rekindle a play off charge. They had had a good October but were still at the wrong end of Isthmian South East.
After a tense goalless first half Ashford had the temerity to score early in the second half. With both sides having been reduced to 10 men there was space and time to really have a go. Nuts and Bolts hit the destruct button on 77 mins as Moses inexplicably headed past his own keeper. Then just 3 mins later Joe Overy thumped home a joyous winner to send a big home crowd very happy indeed. Hill move up to 5th place.
Women Take a Battling Point at Grey Hailsham. One One 3/11/2024
Under a grey sky and mild temperatures on a dry grass surface our Women’s team had to work their socks off for a well-earned point on the road. Any real game rhythm occurred early in the 1st half when both goals were scored. Megan Hoare stole a march to strike Hill into a 15 min lead. Hailsham scored a well worked equaliser just 10 mins later. In truth both teams cancelled each other there after and sharing the spoils was a fair outcome. Manager Clingo said ‘he was proud of the team and was very pleased to take a point on the road’ Player of the Match Alicia Haworth, in the number 10 role, said ‘we had to work hard for that today, it’s a shame we couldn’t keep a clean sheet’. A point a piece keeps both teams nicely mid table with games in hand.
Hill are Nap as Lancing Falter Again Bonfire Special 5/11/2024
BHTFC 5 Lancing 0
Hill made the most of dry home soil and a stuttering Lancing team to go grab five unanswered goals in a very strong performance. Chris Whelpdale settled any nerves with a very early goal and the team never looked back. He scored yet another to increase his fan idolisation before going off to a standing ovation. Price, Vukoje and O’Neill got on the scoresheet as Lancing folded.
Sponsors Firemelon confirmed Joe Overy as their MOM.
There will be much tougher tests to come but it’s a certainty that Lovett and Mansell must have been delighted with the five goals. But the writer suspects a clean sheet would have given them the most satisfaction. The 1st league zero for a little while!
The club remain in 5th place and are buzzing!
U18s Win Dramatic Penalty Shoot Out at Maidenhead. 7/11/2024
Large numbers of Hill connections made their way to Maidenhead United to watch our exciting U18 team go toe to toe in the Fa Youth Cup 1st Round Proper. Under wonderful lights and on the most perfect grass pitch in dry conditions both teams laid on a stunning night of football. The hosts nosed ahead with a well taken penalty in the 7th min. Hill back on terms with a penalty of their own. MOM Damian Theodore scored a cracker mid-way through the 2nd half. However, with time running out United bundled the ball home to force extra time. Home support went nuts!!
Hill Keeper Sonni Nealgrove became a hero by saving three penalties as Hill progressed.
Joint Managers Berty and Adie were hugely proud of their team with Clayton quipping ‘my ticker is just about slowing down after those penalties!’
Make no bones this was a top night to be involved in BHTFC. Our reward a home tie against Colchester United.
Alex Brewer Heads a Point at Hartsdown 9/11/2024
At Ramsgate Alex could and perhaps should have become the hero with a late winner at Ramsgate just two weeks ago. He passed when he should have shot. He certainly put that right after stepping off the bench late at Hartsdown Park in grey but dry Thanet. (4G Pitch)
After a skilful but goal less 1st half Margate came out all guns blazing. They hit a post before scoring a great goal on the hour. Mansell and Lovett shuffled the pack and threw on teenage striking sensation Brewer for the last ten.
With a good number of ‘Alliance’ baying for a goal behind the goal Brewer got up very well at the back post to thump a header past the Gate keeper to grab a precious away point.
A huge day for the club!
U18s Bow out of Isthmian Youth Cup at Whitehawk. 11/11/2024
Hill didn’t quite have their shooting boots on a chilly night at the Enclosed. The visitors made several very presentable chances, but it was the Hawks who progressed by one goal to nil.
There was disappointment in the camp but our U18s have bigger fish to fry this season.
U18s Bounce Back with Three Two League win against Bognor 14/11/2024
MOM Jake King scored two goals at the Home Call as Hill picked up a very welcome Three league points. Managers Adie and Berty are very keen for their side to make a real splash in the Isthmian Youth South league so will be looking for a lot more wins. The sides were locked one one at the break. In a very exciting 2nd half the game tuned one way then the other. However, it was King who joyously smashed home a very late winner.
Hill Emphatic at Home Beating Play off Rivals Sheppey Three Nil. 16/11/2024
In perhaps the best performance to date Hill were dominant as the Home Call welcomed 621 fans into the stadium. With Sponsors Day in full swing and the arrival of 45 young journalists our home stadium was bouncing!
An exciting first half passed very quickly with both sides playing neat football. The Alliance in full stride in the Ashley Carr Terrace. The sides walked in Nil nil.
However, Hill turned on the style early in the 2nd half. Reggie Ward, on the way to a MOM performance, pounced to open the scoring. Just moments later Sheppey were guilty of a hand ball in the box. Alex Brewer drilled home the resulting penalty. Club Captain O’Neill led by example by firing home a thunderbolt from distance.
A cracking day as Hill cemented their place in the Isthmian South East Play Off Race.
Sponsors Day a Success. 16/11/2024
Huge congratulations to all who made the Sponsors Day a roaring success. 70 people sat down for a meal as various guest speakers did their stuff. David Corney, joint Owener said ‘ It couldn’t have gone any better!’
Women Progress in the Sussex Challenge Trophy. BHTFC 5 East Preston 0 17/11/24
Hill Women produced a cupset when beating an inform East Preston at the Homecall. From the KO Hill were progressive and aggressive in their play. The visitors were never allowed to settle to any sort of rhythm. Centre Back Ellie Livingstone drove Hill into the lead. A crisp shot from an angle. Alicia Howarth continued a great season scoring the 2nd goal.
Meg Hoare grabbed a 2nd half brace however it was Livingston who become the Player of the Game with a scintillating 2nd goal and clean sheet.
Our Women’s Team are going great guns.
Inclement Weather Turned up Across Region 19th through 27th Nov ‘Storm Bert’ and ‘Storm Conall’ 4 Games Postponed.
That lovely dry spell couldn’t last forever and on 19th November rain turned up which put paid to our visit to Merstham in the Velocity Cup. Lingering rain put the Enclosed Ground out of action on 21st which meant that our U18s League match was off. Storm Bert arrived on Saturday 23rd November and stayed all weekend. Our 1st team game at East Grinstead fell victim. Then on Sunday our Women’s game was also postponed. Then Storm Conall turned up in the early hours of Wednesday 27th to dump a huge amount of rain across Mid Sussex. As we will read this took some clearing and damaged the pitch.
A frustrating few days around the club. However, the Monday club rolled up its sleeves on 25th to fix some slight damage to the ground.
We roll on!
Waterworld at the Home Call 27/11/2024
Mid Sussex awoke to a very damp situation as all eyes were on that evenings Fa Youth Cup against Colchester. Storm Conall had dumped tons of rain. Our under-soil drainage system was working well with water flowing off the property. However, things looked bleak with puddles on the surface. There were also puddles of water around the stadium which were brushed aside. Three drains in the car park were blocked leading to a historically high flood at the bottom end. Manual efforts to try and clear the water proved unworkable so quick thinking Tom arranged for a tanker to come and suck it all away. That problem was temporally resolved but we wait for the council to unblock the drains. Just as a side note one or two cars got stuck in the overflow carpark later that evening! There was some car pushing going on.
At 1.15pm a referee was on site and in a surprising decision our game against Colchester was on!. It was then all hands-on deck to get the stadium ready. The weather had perked up during the day with no more rainfall.
U18s Beat Colchester in Fa Youth Cup. It’s a Pulsating Night in Mid Sussex 27/11/2024
In a historical night for the club Berty and Adie’s U18s stormed past Colchester to reach the 3rd round of the Fa Youth Cup. 443 fans turned out which indicated that this run had captured the imagination.
United were predictably fluent and crisp in the early stages as they raced into a two-nil lead. However, our U18s have proved their resilience time and time again. Jake King smashing home a deserved goal on 45 mins. The 2nd half belonged to Hill with pressure building from the KO. There was no surprise when Harry Lawson brought the scores level mid-way through. The perfect poachers goal. The Home Call erupted in delirium.
Then in the resulting shoot out Sonni Nealgrove produced a brilliant save to send Hill through and the ground into raptures. He later said ‘its all about reading the shoulders!’
MOM Noah Hoffmann
Adie told the waiting media ‘we want to thank everyone who contributed in getting this game on today and all the fans. You helped the boys on and get over the line tonight’ Berty said ‘we are very proud of the team!’
What a night to be involved with BHTFC!
Storm Conall and U18s Success Hangover. Richard Vince Colin and Ryan work Miracles 28th 29th 30th Nov
Inspection of the pitch on Thursday morning revealed a depressing sight of a surface which was still very wet and very badly cut up. However, not deterred our Ground Staff sprang into action. Head Groundsman Richard Mamoany Chairman Vince and staff Colin Obbard/Ryan Box brought years of experience to the table and some kit. In a herculean effort they managed to restore the pitch into something nearing excellent. In a final flourish on Saturday 30th Richard even managed his trademark finish with stripes and vivid white lines.
A recurring theme through these diaries is the changing conditions of our pitch. Our drainage system is working well but it does seem that when rain comes its heavy and unrelenting. Its during those moments we have problems. Huge thanks to our Ground Staff we are just about winning the battle. However, with winter now on our doorstep this will be a story that will continue to make the news.
Bears Roar at the Home Call as Isthmian South East Kicks Butt. 30/11/2024
BHTFC 0 Broadbridge Heath 3
It’s a real shame to end such a positive edition of Hillian’s Buzz on a negative note however the Bears travelled to Mid Sussex looking to make it a very uncomfortable afternoon. Under dry but grey skies, mild temperatures Hill looked brilliant for 20 mins. We fashioned three presentable chances which went begging. However, it was game over as Bear Mark Goldson was allowed to roam freely scoring a 1st half hat trick.
We need to say huge congrats to Broadbridge who notched up an impressive third league clean sheet on the spin. Also, most of the main protagonists in the South East promotion shake up won which for the 1st time in a while has taken us out of the play off zone.
For us its one to quickly forget as we look forward to new and exciting opportunities.
In conclusion
BHTFC have been excellent in all areas over the course of edition 6 of the Hillian’s Buzz (12th October through 30th November 2024). We have created a number of pulsating moments on the pitch and continue to work extremely hard off the pitch. Perhaps that night our U18s beat Colchester the highlight. Edition 7 will now follow the action as we head into winter and a myriad of opportunities for all our teams. At all levels we have put ourselves in great positions. Now isn’t the time to take that foot off the gas!
Edition 7 will be out after our Deal Trip.
Editor Colin Bowman 01/12/2024
