It’s Mid-Winter around Sussex as Hill Go for Promotion.
Welcome to the latest edition of Hillian’s Buzz where we are following the exploits of BHTFC both on and the off the pitch. We started this historical journey with Edition 1 when Gary Mansell took his new team to Sevenoaks in late December 2023. Edition 7 ended with a brilliant trip to Deal (04/1/25) and a wonderful away victory. However, weather issues blighted momentum at all levels which has meant that this issue is very busy indeed at all levels. Settle back as we go back over the past few weeks as we end with an important ‘Breaking News’ at the top of our club.
Albion Beat Hill on Pens at Culver Road Tues 7/1/2025
Sussex Senior Cup.
BHTFC were required to decamp to Culver Road Lancing for this tie. A decision made by the Sussex Fa after we lost this game to weather last year. Off the pitch everything worked very well under the stewardship of Operations Manager Dave Bradbury. A number the volunteers turned up and just rolled up their sleeves. Hill took the gate money with catering money going to the hosts. Well done to all!
On the pitch Hill played extremely well against a fit and skilful Albion U21 side. In a tight match neither team could fashion that one chance to go through in 90 minutes. It was smiles all around the defence delighted with the clean sheet. Unfortunately, Albion managed five pens from pens to take the tie.
Thanks to all at Culver Road for looking after us and congrats to BHAFC.
Ice beats Hill as Croydon Travel Sat 11/1/2025
In our last chance to host a Saturday match in January 2025 the club did everything to allow the game to go ahead. It was agreed by all parties that the PI was to be carried out at 2.30pm. After an icy start the sun made a noteworthy appearance as a stunning day developed. By 1.15pm it was clear that we weren’t going beat the elements and the game was called.
There was huge disappointment around the stadium. It meant yet another Tuesday evening game.
Women’s Post Christmas Start Delayed. 12/1/2025
With the pitch still shivering under the ice the Women’s League game against Oakwood was cancelled.
Stefan Vukoje Introduces himself in Hillian’s Tv Interview 14/1/2025
Our pacy and powerful winger had recently scored two wonder goals in BHTFC wins. We felt compelled to catch up with Stefan to learn more. The former Eastbourne Borough player is enjoying his time here at the Home Call and wants to score more great goals for us.
U18s Resume League Programme with 2 1 Win at the Borough. 13/1/2025
Our U18s got their isthmian South League programme back underway with a trip to Priory Lane Eastbourne under perfect mid-January conditions on a wonderful 4G surface. After their Fa Youth Cup exploits the league has taken 2nd place and now the squad face 15 games in quick time. However Joint Manager Berty said prior to the game ‘we feel we have a good chance of winning this league!’
In a hugely entertaining encounter both teams were determined to play a high tempo, aggressive game. Borough scored the 1st goal on 20 mins. However, Hill found some traction as Luca Oliva scored a thrilling equaliser. Grey Coleman scored the winner early in the 2nd half as he thundered home from the left. On another day Borough should have taken a point as they camped inside the Hillian penalty area. Hill clung on.
Adie Clayton ‘we are very pleased to take the win today!’ Jake King the MOM award.
Hill Tough it out at Erith in Mid-Week Win Tues 14/1/2025
Erith Town 1 BHTFC 2
The BHTFC away bang-wagon rolled into North Kent and the pleasing surrounds of Thamesmead Stadium. Weather conditions were perfect for mid-January but the grass pitch played a little heavy. For lots of reasons away following was on the scant side as only around 15 away connections filed through.
Hill got off to a quick start as Marcus Allen nodded home from a 2nd min corner. Rowe hit a post from 20 yards, an exquisite rasping drive. They dominated the rest of the half and strolled in one nil to the good.
Jack, Mark and I (travelling Alliance on the night) became totally immersed in a brutal 2nd half where both teams and the Erith manager battled for supremacy. It might have not been pretty, but it was very entertaining. We gave it large! Mid way through a defensive error allowed Erith to get on terms. Just moments later Tom Chalaye battled on the penalty spot before laying the ball to Martyn Box who thumped home the winner. Erith seemed happy to send in long balls for the last 10 but we held on for a brilliant 3 points. Thanks to all travelling connections.
Cobo’s Central American league midweek away Headwear makes its 24/25 debut and it’s a winning start.
Phoenix Voodoo Lifted at Mayplace. Hill celebrate Clean Sheet Sat 18/1/2025
Sports 0 Hill 3
Nathan Cooper advanced his player of the season credentials with two goals and a clean sheet as Hill took control of their play off tilt. The visitors started strongly, Cooper on hand to bundle home the 1st. He then smashed home a 2nd mid away through the 1st half. Stefan Vukoje completed the scoring on HT.
In a professional 2nd half display Hill took the sting out of the game for a comfortable away win and condemn the Sports to a dire relegation battle.
In perfect mid-January weather a large contingent of Hill fans would have travelled home in good spirits.
MOM Nathan said later ‘I always target double figures for goals and those two were very welcome. However, we are very pleased with the clean sheet as that’s always the initial aim in every match!’ In terms of the barrage of away games at this time he shrugged ‘well, its in the schedule and we have to play them at some time. We are just ticking them off!’ Gary Mansell said ‘we haven’t the best of things around here so it was nice to resolve that today’ In terms of the title race he said ‘all we can do is look after ourselves and if those two (Sittingbourne and Ramsgate) slip up we need to be ready to pounce’
An excellent day in the office!
Six Isthmian South East Win’s on the Spin, 4th in the League. 19/1/2025
Hill connections all awoke to the exciting news that BHTFC were on top of the South East form table with 6 wins on the spin. The table showed us to be in 4th place with 51 points from 22 games just 5 points off Margate (4 games in hand).
The grim reality was that Ramsgate, Sittingbourne and Margate are all winning week in week out. They had contributed to no less than 15 goals between them the previous day. Rams have 68 points while the Brickies have 63.
While we are doing fantastically well BHTFC are still long shots for the Isthmian South East title. All we can do is keep winning and see where it takes us. Cobo 19/1/25.
Woman’s Team Outstanding in Borough Challenge Cup Semi Final Loss. Sun 19/1/2025
BHTFC 2 Eastbourne Borough 5 Millie Morgan with a stunning brace.
In brilliant mid-January weather and on a perfect grass pitch Hill went head to head with one of the best Women’s team in Sussex. Several Alliance members showed up and made a lot of noise in the Ashley Carr. Borough were always going the bring pace and accuracy to the occasion.
Hill started the game very much on the front foot winning every battle in mid field knocking EB out of rhythm. Indeed, Hill broke forward on 20 mins and Millie Morgan breezed ahead of her marker to score the 1st goal.
EB looked rattled for a while, but their left winger got them out of trouble with two exquisite crosses. They both fell to the right winger who joyously smashed home. EB then provided the kicker as on 48 mins an in-swinging corner went straight in. Three one at HT.
Hill were a little untidy to start the 2nd half as goals 4 and 5 were scored. However, Millie went on to score the goal of the day at the club house end. Weaving through a static defence and whipping in fierce shot top corner keeper no chance. The decking of woe went mad.
Hill Women can be very proud of their efforts against a brilliant team at this level. They warmed up and down well never really losing shape or heart. They then went to thank all sides of the ground. Millie with the Player of the Match award.
Today’s experience will give them a real lift for the remainder of the season. Well done team!!
Pitch Receives TLC 21st Jan 2025
The grim reality is that although we have done some extensive remedial work on our Home Call surface it’s a fact that destructive weather patterns cause match postponements. It’s a situation we hope to have rectified with the visit of Fisher Lane Groundcare on 21st Jan 2025. The team ladled 20 ton of sand to the surface and then shock waved the ground. At huge expense we hope that these measures will keep the ground open for the remainder of season 2024/25. We have given ourselves the best of hope!
Problems at the Homecall. Week 20th through 24th January
Our beloved home facility is becoming under increasing pressure due to old age, further damage of increased bad weather and vandalism. It’s a toxic mix and a grim reality that we are facing new challenges on a daily basis. On 11th January Back of the Net suffered frozen pipes. The game against Croydon was lost anyway but had it gone ahead there wouldn’t have been any burgers! Then on 19th January both sets of showers failed for the Woman’s game. Our regular plumber was on site 21st January to confirm that both filaments had gone to the massive cylinder in the changing rooms. It’s now been fixed. Then overnight 21st January we experienced some intensive vandalism to our infrastructure and machinery. This act had particular pertinence to everyone at BHTFC. We are working hard to present a community club and a football team that we can all be proud of. Actions of this kind are thoughtless and cowardness affecting all of us.
If you are reading this and were involved DON’T DO IT AGAIN!!
Land lovely Land Work begins Jan 2025
There is a piece of land on the outer side of our fencing which we have discovered might be part of our leasehold. Its where the old Scout Hut once stood before it was burnt down. The club have a notion that it can be used for something as it’s large and flat. However, the first job to clear out the vegetation, mow the grass and secure the perimeter. We have started the progress with the Monday club and the Alliance chipping in with a session.
This isn’t a five min job so the next edition will send an update on progress.
Its 97th Min Midweek Heartbreak in Sheerness Tues 21/01/25
Sheppy 2 BHTFC 2
In another era a two all mid-week away result away would have been rejoiced however this season everyone around the Home Call took it badly!
It was 4th verses 6th at Holm Park on a calm dry night on Sheppy Island. Hill started well passing the ball with accuracy on a brilliant 4G surface. On 20 mins a thumping header from defender Alex Malins had the Alliance dancing around. A brilliant goal. Hill continued well but were left to rue a defensive mistake. Just before half time Hill gifted an equaliser as both sides marched in all square.
Stefan and Harry both smashed an upright in an exciting 2nd half. But it was Ben Pope who headed Hill into a deserved lead. An exquisite Whelpdale cross. As the Alliance sang in celebratory mode Hill switched off on 97 mins. It proved very costly as Sheppy somehow managed to bundle home a late late dagger to the heart.
Hill had won six on the trot coming into this one and while it hurt immensely the club will need to take the positives, dust down and go again.
RIP Peter Miles
Our President and Sussex Football Legend Passes Away. 24th January 2025
Friday 24th January will become a very sad day in club history as our beloved President Peter Miles passes away. Tributes have been flying in from all quadrants underlying the positive influence he bestowed across all levels of football both here in Sussex and wider.
This diary won’t be able to summon the mood or depth of feeling that is sure to be felt now and in the coming days weeks and months. I would like to quote a piece from one of our young players Reggie Ward who wrote
‘Rest in peace, Peter. You will be deeply missed and always remembered for the incredible impact you had on those around you. Truly one the kindest and purest souls I have ever met. My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time’
Hill Squeeze Past the Bears to Exact Revenge Sat 25/1/2025
Broadbridge Heath 1 Burgess Hill 2 Sub Ollie Davies scores the Winner.
Hill shrugged off that last min Sheppy disappointment and took some nice revenge (following the Bears three nil win in Mid Sussex) with a battling display and a moment of magic. The 1st half turned into a war of attrition with both sides giving nothing away. Chris Whelpdale scored a brilliant headed goal early in the 2nd half. The game instantly became a lot more open as the hosts drove forward. Indeed, for the 1st time their right back broke the defensive line and turned in a brilliant cross. The Bears left winger couldn’t miss.
However, without panic Jay and Gary shuffled the pack to bring on reinforcements. With 15 to go a stunning move left Davies clear on the left to nutmeg the keeper and send the large away support into raptures.
The sky was a spectacular golden red to frame a beautiful sunset as Hill marked January 2025 with 13 away points from 15. Peter would have approved!
Storms Eowyn and Herminia Hit in Quick Succession 24th and 26th Jan
Women and U18s Games are lost.
While Eowyn was more intense especially to Ireland and Scotland Herminia was more damaging to momentum here at the Hill. Unfortunately, the Women’s league game at Woodingdean on 26th and the U18s game at YMCA on 27th were lost owing to a waterlogged pitch. Both squads are going to roll with the punches and get ready for a very busy early spring.
Noisy Home Call celebrates Herne Bay Win Tues 28th Jan
BHTFC 2 Herne Bay 0
Hill return to Mid Sussex for the 1st time since 28th December to win and cement 3rd place in the Isthmian South East. For some reason tradition was broken as Hill kicked towards the Club House 1st half. Dan Perry, making his way back from injury, smashed home a 7th min pen. In a pulsating 2nd half the Alliance made use the Ashley Carr Stand to create an electric atmosphere. It built into a crescendo as Brannon O’Neill steered in a last min goal.
It was a brilliant mid-week experience under lights. The whole club in unison.
Volunteers Work on Pitch Wed 29th
Around half dozen volunteers got on the pitch for 2 hours during the morning repairing divots. Huge thanks to all who contributed to the effort. Good job done it made a difference.
Battle of Erith but Pope settles it. Sat 1st February.
BHTFC 1 Erith Town 0
Under excellent bright February skies and mild temperatures, a fierce battle took place at the Home Call. The game followed a on from the away encounter just two weeks ago. It was never going to be pretty as Erith are well drilled and are not afraid to mix it long and short. The defensive unit and Slav had to work their socks off. However, it was that man Ben Pope who came up with a thrilling 1st half header to win it.
Reggie Ward was very pleased with the clean sheet as he celebrated 150 appearances for the Club. Ben was voted Man of the Match by the sponsors, a very popular choice.
Also, today one of our main rivals Sittingbourne won last min at Southend in the Trophy with 800 travelling. Huge congrats to them especially Alliance fav Clive but will it take the wind out of their League Title tilt. We wait and see!
Cooper Talks Defending 1st Feb
We caught up with one of our experienced defenders Nathan Cooper who is having a great season here at the Home Call. We asked him the role of a defensive player. He said ‘its all about having pride in keeping a clean sheet that’s your main responsibility in the team. Of course, keeping a clean sheet is a team effort!’ As to the season ‘yes, I have enjoyed the season but of late have been kept out by a concussion protocol after picking up a head injury. Its been frustrating as I hate missing games’ He did admit ‘sometimes after a hard game on the heavy pitch you can feel some aches in the morning!’ Thanks to Coops for his time and insights. We look forward to watching you as we head towards the 24 25 business ends. The interview was shared exclusively to the Alliance media channel.
Woman Bow out of Challenge Cup at Pagham (Jubilee Field Bognor) Sun 2nd Feb
Pagham 2 BHTFC 1 (Quarter Final)
In a disappointing afternoon for our Women’s team its an opportunity wasted after a slow start by the team. Under sunny mild conditions on a heavy grass pitch Pagham were allowed a soft lead on 20 mins. Hill bounced back with a well taken equaliser mid way through the 1st half. But Pagham scored a scrappy 2nd on 44 mins to win it.
Hill played well in the 2nd half but couldn’t quite make that clear cut chance. In the post-match huddle, there was obvious frustration.
Thanks to the Alliance members who turned up to support. It was appreciated by the team.
Lights Camara Action The BBC Turn Up at the Home Call Mon 3rd Feb
There was added excitement amongst the Monday Club as Juliette Parkin and her cameraman turned up during the morning. BBC South East are in the process of filming a series involving Non League Football clubs in the region. It was a proud moment for BHTFC being picked for this. Juliette spent the morning interviewing various club representatives and even joined in the tea break.
We await with bated breath the completed article to be aired at some stage in the future.
This diary will come back to this story.
Back of the Net Expansion Feb 2025
Our popular food outlet Back of the Net under Terry and Michelle is receiving a makeover which will double the size and create storage space and room for an extra person on match days. Both Terry and Michelle are highly skilled and together they are working on the project.
Work is ongoing through early February.
Bad Day for BHTFC Tuesday 4th February 2025
Tuesday 4th February 2025 will go down as a poor day in a amongst a very positive season thus far.
Very Late Postponement at EG.
Jay Gary Squad and Fans were on their way to East Grinstead for a 7.30 kick in the latest Isthmian South East game. Unfortunately for all concerned a rain shower had passed over the region leading to the ref calling the game very late on. There was obvious frustration from all corners and yet again a game will need to played on the rearranged date. More work for our Club Secreatary Tim Spencer.
U18s Dent Isthmian South Title Hopes at Worthing. It’s a six three loss.
In a perplexing performance from our talented U18s it will be left to Managers Berty and Adie to reflect and ponder. After a good start Hill scored a very unfortunate own goal which signalled a 1st half collapse. The hosts went in three one to the good.
It was four early in the 2nd half and game over. Luca Oliva can take credit with a well taken brace but in truth our U18s were well below the bar they had set themselves. Berty fronted to media and was honest saying ‘in the 1st half worthing were far more hungry!’
It’s a day to quickly draw a line under.
U18s Earn a Point at the Pan One One 6/2/2024
Fletcher Fane scored one of the BHTFC’s goals of the season as he let fly from 20 yards. A wonderful free kick to put Hill one nil to the good. However, Lewes found an equaliser in the 2nd half to round off a disappointing week for our U18s. The Isthmian South Title is still up for grabs but we will need to find a lot of victories and hope Worthing lose a few.
Damo Goes to Gillingham.
One of our leading youngsters Damian Theodore has been thrown an amazing opportunity as League Two Gillingham signed him up. Damo starred in our 2024/25 Youth Cup run and is a very talented winger with an eye for goal.
Everyone at the club is thrilled for Damiam and wish him every success. From me Damo, you are Box Office!
Game Off at Beckenham 8/2/2025
For the 3rd time this season an away Saturday game is lost to the weather. There was no real surprise as rain had fallen across South London. It’s a very frustrating situation for all concerned leaving players and fans kicking their heels. It can be reported that Jay and Gary were at Shooting Field scouting Steyning and Sittingbourne. As were a small number of Alliance members.
The Brickies, Gate and Rams all win today which isn’t the greatest of news. Our title bid just got a lot harder.
3G Application In Early February
Our application for a new surface has been filed with Mid Sussex District Council. It’s a process that will take time to finalise but its an exciting start towards our goal. We will catch up with proceedings in another addition.
Box Penalty Recues a Point against Eastbourne Town Home Call Tues 11th Feb
One One
A very late Martyn Box penalty was enough to rescue a point after Town took a shock early lead. Ruda picked up a loose ball and hit the perfect shot over an advanced Slav Huk. EB Town lost a man in the 1st half which led to them tucking in and reducing space to work in. Hill huffed and puffed.
Martyn Box steadied the nerve to convert a last gasp penalty. Relief around the Home Call.
Hill undone by a Matt Drage Thunderbolt in Merstham Thriller Sat 15th Feb
One One
In a pulsating match here in Mid Sussex two top teams went hammer and tongs for 90 mins. While both sets of managers probably felt they deserved to win football was the real winner. A credit to the Isthmian League.
There was a bit of something for everyone, free flowing football, robust mid field challenges, shots, saves and a brilliant poachers goal from the hosts Brannon O’Neill and a stunning late Matt Drage 25-yard thunderbolt. And a robust atmosphere supplied by both sets of fans.
After our three matches this season there is a healthy respect between the two clubs. Sharing the spoils seemed quite appropriate.
Women’s League Title Ambition Back on Track after Oakwood Win Home Call Sun 16th Feb
BHTFC 2 Oakwood 1
Our Women got back to winning wins after a fierce two one win at the Home Call. Hill started quick and went two goals to the good. Oakwood scored with 10 to go to set up a nervy finish.
Meg Hoare and Brogan Kirk with the goals.
Manager Tom Clingo said ‘It was a great day!’
U18s Back on Track at Bridges Five Nil Winners Mon 17th Feb
After a couple of disappointing results our U18s were in fine form at Bridges scoring five unanswered goals. If Hill are to realise their title ambitions this was a great time to start a winning streak.
Martyn Box Shows Courage and Nerve from the Spot. 87th Min Winner Tues 18th Feb 25
BHTFC 1 Croydon 0
The Home Call was alive under the lights as Croydon turned up for re arranged Isthmian South Encounter. It turned into a pulsating and nervy occasion as both sides struggled to create that clear cut opening. Hill turned up the pressure during the 2nd half. Just as it looked to be ending goal less Brannon O’Neill was dumped to the ground in the penalty box. The ref had a good think before sending the Alliance into raptures as he pointed to the spot.
For the 2nd mid-week home game on the trot the responsibility was given to Martyn Box. He held his nerve and smashed it top right corner! The Home Call erupts.
Three massive points and smiles all around.
Pitch is Fertilised Wed 19th Feb
Richard and Ryan were out on the pitch under the lights spreading fertiliser on the pitch. As spring weather slowly starts in earnest across the region hopefully, we will see a vigorous growth of grass.
Comfort as Hill turn Shooting Field into a ‘home’ fixture Sat 22nd Feb 25
Steyning 0 BHTFC 3 Brannon Chris and Bobby
Hill fans turned up in large numbers which must have felt like a home game to the players and management. Huge thanks to all who travelled. Under clear skies with the sun making a welcome appearance Hill enjoyed their most ‘comfortable’ afternoon of the 24 25 campaign.
In a nod to the future the players certainly enjoyed the 4G surface knocking the ball around with confidence and accuracy. 1st half goals from Brannon and Chris saw us walk in two nil to the good.
Bobby Price added the cherry to a very positive day by finishing off a one touch move to send the faithful home very happy indeed.
Huge thanks to Steyning for hosting and good luck for the rest of the season.
Women Go Nap at Cardinal Newman School Meg Hoare Scores 4 Sun 23rd Feb
Hollingbury 0 BHTFC 5
Under grey dry skies and mild temps our Women’s Team continued their league campaign on the school’s brand-new artificial pitch. The hosts seemed determined to play from the back however Hill pressed well leading to a lot of early possession. Chloe Chesworth had a brilliant afternoon at left back feeding in some wonderful crosses. On 20 mins Brogan Kirk skipped into the box and fired Hill into a deserved lead. Meg Hoare (Player of the Match) had a 1st half to remember pouncing to score a memorable hat trick. Four nil at half time.
Hollingbury put up a stronger fight early in the 2nd half. It meant Hill had be disciplined at the back. Mid way through the Hill keeper was called into action to make a full length save. Full credit to the hosts for keeping going. However, Hill weren’t to be denied as Hoare capped an excellent day late on when rounding the keeper to slot home the 5th goal.
Our Women’s team have picked up six points in two games and are climbing the Sussex Women’s Championship. With nine of 16 games still to play the squad have put themselves firmly in the Title race.
All Change at the Top David and Vicky Corney become Chairman and CEO Late Feb 2025
On 21st February the club formally announced that David and Vicky had completed their takeover of the football club. The move sees David and Vicky take full ownership of the club. Vince and Tina Alfieri have stepped down from their roles. Vince said ‘It was the honour of a lifetime being the Chairman of this wonderful club’
This a huge piece of news for the club which all connections are absorbing. This diary would like to place on record a huge thank you to Vince and Tina for the work and progress they have made to BHTFC. Plus, also send huge messages of good luck and good will to David and Vicky as they take us on the next chapter.
Well, that’s it for Edition 8 of Hillian’s Buzz where the club have faced sadness, challenges, changes but ultimately a successful time on the pitch. Hill are challenging for the Isthmian South East title while our U18s and Women’s teams are playing extremely well. We go into Spring and Edition 9 with hope excitement and energy. We will bring you the next Edition after Croydon away in early April.
Colin Bowman Editor. 24th Feb 2025
