A massive crowd gathered at Leylands Park to watch Burgess Hill Town against top of the table Ramsgate as the two sides played out an entertaining of 0-0 draw in front of 1123 spectators.
14 games unbeaten, welcomed 13 games unbeaten and with both sides having such good defensive records, the way the scoreline finished, was anyone too surprised?
Managers Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett made two changes from the 3-0 win over Steyning last week with Nathan Cooper and Reggie Ward coming in for Joe Overy and the injured Stefan Vukoje.
It was the Hillians who made the early running, Chris Whelpdale forced Tom Hadler into a smart save at his near post before Martyn Box planted a back post header straight at the Rams stopper.
The game swung back and forth and Rams got on top mid way into the first half, Slav Huk being called into action saving a low driven effort. Best chance of the half came to Rams as from a Hill corner, they broke and Jefferson Aibangbee burst clear but couldn’t beat Slav Huk and the imperious Joe Taylor scuffed well wide with the goal gaping.
Hill ended the half well, with Brannon O’Neill setting up Reggie Ward, who’s goalbound effort was blocked by the excellent Joe Ellul.
Hill once again started the half well, Tom Hadler getting down low to thwart Brannon O’Neill’s low effort, before the Rams had a golden chance to open the scoring.
Tijan Jadama, the scourge of the Hill on so many occasions, darted inside like Lightning McQueen and was tripped in the box for a stonewall penalty. Up stepped Joe Taylor, 41 goals this season, but 42 alludes him as Skav Huk saved with his legs and grasped the rebound as well.
The second half was little on chances but no lack of huff and puff from all 22 out there, Huk again had to deny Joe Taylor as we ticked into the 90. With merely minutes left on the clock, the already booked Lewis Gard decided to say something petulant to the referee and he showed him a second yellow and a red to leave the Rams playing the last seconds with 10.
No goals, but plenty of entertainment, as both sides unbeaten runs continue and both sides look the part as the quest for the promised land continues for each side.
Match sponsors Basement Pumps voted keeper Slav as their Brickworks Player of the Match.
Hill: Slav Huk, Hamish Morrison (Joe Overy 79), Bobby Price, Ryan Worrall, Nathan Cooper, Marcus Allen, Reggie Ward, Kieran Rowe, Chris Whelpdale, Brannon O’Neill (Ben Pope 75), Martyn Box (Dan Perry 90). Subs not used: Noah Hoffman, Harry Lawson.
Brickworks Player of the Match: Slav Huk.
