Burgess Hill Town suffered a disappointing loss away at a sunny AFC Croydon Athletic on Saturday.
Hill were looking to make it three wins against the Rams this season but the hosts took the three points against the Hillians who confirmed a play off position in midweek.
After the midweek 4-1 win over East Grinstead managers Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett made three changes with Reggie Ward, Ryan Worrall and Chris Whelpdale coming in for Bobby Price, Harry Lawson and Brannon O’Neill.
Hill had the first effort of the game on 7 minutes when Chris Whelpdale won a free kick with a lovely piece of skill and Martyn Box curls it up and over the wall and it flashes inches wide.
Croydon took the lead on 13 minutes out of nowhere, a simple ball across the box sees the Hill sleeping and Ibby Akanbi can’t believe his luck at the far post for a tap in.
Hill had a mountain climb as 4 minutes later it was 2-0 as the hosts recorded 2 shots and 2 goals. It was a cracking finish from Akanbi who doubled his tally for the afternoon.
Hill tried to get back into the game and had a few half chances but weren’t as clinical as their hosts. Rowe, Whelpdale and Vukoje all going close.
The second half started with a massive chance for 3-0 but it’s missed and then down the other end, Whelpdale puts his effort at the GK.
Vukoje had two half chances before Croydon sealed the win in the 59th minute with an absolute screamer from Nya Kirby who smashed one into the top corner from 25 yards.
Slav Huk made a brilliant double save to keep it at 3 whilst at the other end Hill should pull one back from a goalmouth scramble but it’s cleared and with 7 minutes remaining a cross came to sub Jay Beckford at the far post who can’t convert.
Hill will dust themselves down and look to go again next Saturday (12th April) when we welcome Deal Town to the HomeCall Carpets Community Stadium – 3pm kick off.
Hill: Slav Huk, Reggie Ward (Jay Beckford 71), Hamish Morrison, Ryan Worrall (Brannon O’Neill 64), Nathan Cooper (Marcus Allen 71), Logan Dobbs, Stefan Vukoje, Kieran Rowe (Harry Lawson 64), Ben Pope (Joe Overy 80), Chris Whelpdale, Martyn Box.
