2024 2025 Business End. Hill in Promotion Drive!
Welcome to Edition 9 of this historical diary of all things Burgess Hill Town FC both on and off the pitch. We started Edition 1 when Gary Mansell took his new team to Sevenoaks in December 2023. A lot of good stuff has happened in the interim the club firmly on the rise in all areas. Indeed Edition 8 ended with the exciting news that David and Vicky had completed their full take over of the Club. Edition 9 will take us through the Business End of 24 25 where there is energy and drive towards Promotion and a Women’s Team title. As always though there are basics to get right, and the Home Call Carpets Community Stadium will need to be kept at its best. Let’s Go!
Peter Miles In Loving Memory. 24/02/2025 St Richards Chapel 2pm
His family friends and a large section of the football club plus distinguished guests gathered at St Richards Chapel to celebrate the life of our President Peter Miles. The sun making a welcome appearance. Celebrant Sally Winstone led a fitting service complete with a reading, Peter’s story as told by his friend David and the Lords Prayor. We were led through some brilliant photographs with a Pet Shop Boys number playing in the background. Finally, and most fitting of all Match of the Day theme tune played as we filed out of the Chaple.
The group then made the 20 min drive south to re gather in our Club House for drinks and food. It was here that a lot of us caught up with Peter’s family and got into conversations about the great man and his lasting legacy here at BHTFC.
It was a dignified and beautiful day which I am sure that Pete would have approved of especially the fact that so many of his family, friends and colleagues were all gathered at his beloved football club. Burgess Hill Town Fc Leylands Park.
1123 Turn Up for Ramsgate. Points are Shared 01/03/2025
On a beautiful day here in Mid Sussex a huge crowd filed through the Home Call doors. They were treated to right old battle as two top teams locked horns for 90 mins. There might not have been any goals, but it was an exciting match which was thoroughly enjoyed. Slav picking up the Man of the Match award.
Huge thanks to the army of volunteers who got the stadium ready for action. The place was spotless! To Operations Manager Dave Bradbury and his staff. The outlets worked in perfect harmony as a lot of money was spent. For David and Vicky I am sure it’s a day that will live in the memory for quite some time.
Tom Clingo Head of Womens Football. 03/03/2025
Our Women’s Manager Tom Clingo has been installed at BHTFC Head of Women’s Football. The decision reflects Hills dedication to creating pathways in girls and Women’s football both here in Mid Sussex and beyond. The Club are looking for sustained success and development.
Tom said ‘I am really excited about the direction of the club and to be stepping into this role. I am looking forward to working with the players and staff!’
Tom, if you are reading you will nail it! Good luck Cobo x
U18s Draw at Pilot Field Hastings 2 BHTFC 2 03/03/2028
Joint Manager Berty Olivia was disappointed that his team didn’t put the game to bed in the 1st half. A Kody Farrell penalty and a Joe Overy tap in had Hill up and away. However, momentum faded as the hosts steered home a great goal and then scored a brilliant header late in the 1st half. Two Two HT
In a pulsating 2nd half both teams went for it but had to settle for a point. Two two at the end.
Both squads I suspect a little frustrated not to go win it.
Hill Bullied at Homelands Ashford 2 BHTFC 1 08/03/2025
With just one win in 2025 sleeping giant, the Nuts and Bolts, seemed destined to win this one by hook or by crook. The Manager needed it the Team needed it the Club needed it. From the get-go there was a big noisy crowd in, all outlets going and music blaring. Then on the field to a man they seemed to raise their games not allowing us any time on the ball. Dan Perry silenced the home crowd as he opened the scoring. A daring clip over the keeper.
But Hill bodies started hitting the deck in increasing numbers with Marcus and Ryan injured. Ashford striker Lockyer nodded home on 45 mins. One one HT
Ashford got what they came for as they dominated scoring the winner on 66 mins. Job done for them we dust off and move on. Huge thanks to the travelling support.
Womens Beat Top of League Seagals BHTFC 6 Seagals 0 09/03/2025
A match that was eagerly anticipated with top of the league Seagals visiting Mid Sussex. However, in truth Hill have made so much progress the visitors were reduced to also rans as Brogan Kirk helped herself to four goals. Walker and Sparshott also scored as Hill romped to victory.
Kirk said later ‘We needed to win this one so I am buzzing!’
After a two straight wins Hill Women are firmly in the Sussex Championship Title Race.
Isthmian U18s South Title Out of Reach after Bognor Loss Bognor 3 Hill 0 10/03/2025
On a chilly but dry night under Nyewood Lane lights Bognor rode all sorts of luck to take victory. Hill hit a cross bar with their 1st attack and a post mid-way through the 1st half. Hill then gifted the hosts a soft lead on 45 mins. With Hill flagging slightly Bognor went on to score two goals in the 2nd half.
With this loss our team are now effectively out of the Title race. It looks increasingly like its Worthing’s to lose.
Thanks to Ryan for a lift home.
U18s Smash 7 past YMCA at the Homecall 13/03/2025
While the Isthmian U18s South title might be out of reach our team still have a robust campaign to complete. They showed all their power to surge past bottom club YMCA.
A winning run in their last 7 games could see them tackle 2nd place.
Hill on the BBC Behind the Teams 11/03/2025
At last, our long-awaited Edition was aired on BBC South East and it was a triumph. Legend John Buck stole the show with a brilliant interview. John Goss, Tommy Manneh Tim Spencer, Andy and Debs plus Mark H were all featured along with the Alliance singing.
This Diary would like to place on record a huge thanks to Juliette Parkin and her team. They made a cracking job of this piece.
Hill Sign Jay Beckford (Sittingbourne) and Logan Dobbs (Gillingham Fc) 14/03/2025
In an exciting move ahead of Hythe Town and dramatic close to the season the club have signed Jay and Logan. Jay will bring pace and guile to the left-handed side of attack while Logan can set in as Centre Back.
Gary Mansell said ‘We are pleased to welcome Jay back to the club he will complement our style of play. We are delighted to welcome Logan from Gillingham. He is highly rated!’
Hill Hit Hythe for Five 15/03/2025 Home Call.
It was all smiles around the Home Call as Hill turned in a rolls Royce performance against a lack lustre Hythe Town. They started on fire for 10 mins but couldn’t sustain the effort. O’Neill steadied himself in the box to fire Hill into the lead. Price, Whelpdale Beckford on debut and Ward all getting on the scoresheet for a brilliant day in the office.
Jay was awarded Man of the Match. Mansel said ‘we are very pleased with the performance and bouncing back from last week. The two new lads fitted in well’
Hill cement their place in 3rd place.
Woman Go Top of the Sussex Championship Worthing Town 0 BHTFC 4 16/03/2025
Our Womens Team have been working hard in their cup campaigns and have faced several postponements. However, that hasn’t stopped them going top of the League right now (on goal difference)
Fan Player of the Match Evie Herridge made some wonderful saves and commanded her area very well as Worthing made the most of Palantine Park. They were in the ascendancy for most of the opening 30 mins. However, Brogan Kirk fired Hill into the lead which led to more comfortable 2nd half. Alicia Haworth scored a belter. Then Leonie Heath scored her first goal for the club. Chloe Chesworth added the icing with a late goal.
Herridge said later ‘we were very pleased with the clean sheet at half time. The difference in performance in the two half’s was night and day!’
Manager Tom Clingo suggested ‘We knew this wasn’t going to be easy and it wasn’t pretty, but I thought we deserved to win that game’
Six games to go.
U18s Thumped at Whitehawk. 17/03/2025 Hawks 3 Hill 1
Due to other commitments, we didn’t have much media on the ground for this one. Perhaps just as well. Berty did comment later ‘ Cobo, you didn’t miss much we weren’t very good. But roll on the next one!’
Media Meeting at the Club 17/03/25 6pm
Owner David Corney instigated a Club Media meeting for those involved. A very productive time as we discussed how to raise our Media presence online, around the town and beyond.
There is now a lot of work in progress so hopefully we will see some progress over the coming weeks and months. Keep an eye out!
Hill Held at Beckenham Nil Nil 18/03/25
On a fine dry mild evening at Edan Park both teams slogged out a nil nil under the lights. The writer felt that it was an exciting match with both teams giving 110% effort to getting a positive result. Others felt it was a bit of a bore draw but each to his own. We all agreed it was great to catch up with Gareth, the Becks Cat.
In the end both keepers could hold their heads up high and perhaps Managers pleased with a point. Jay suggested ‘That was an end-to-end game about like a basketball match. Both keepers making good saves. We are pleased with the clean sheet and its another point towards the play offs’ He added ‘Huge thanks to fans who travelled tonight, we could hear your voices, it was very much appreciated’ Cooper said ‘They are a good side, and it was a tough game. It’s a fair result and while we are very pleased with the clean sheet either side could have nicked it’
The point holds Hill neatly in third place.
Hill Win at Winch’s Field Herne Bay Two Nill 22/03/2025
BHTFC made it three clean sheets in a row and completed an excellent week of 7 points from 9 on the Kent Coast. A group of fans travelled down on the Friday evening staying in Ramsgate. A load more travelled on the team coach on the day.
On a spring like afternoon on Herne Bay’s new surface Hill were clinical and robust as they took out a brilliant two nil victory. Marcus Allen scored a peach as he volleyed home on 45 mins. Chris Whelpdale was on hand to crash home an excellent Martyn Box cross to seal three points.
Mansell said later ‘We are very pleased with three excellent performances this week’ As to the future ‘We are not looking at the play off as always its just one game at a time!’ Allen said ‘as a centre half you don’t hit many like that, as soon as it left my foot, I knew it was going in!’
Thanks to the club for organising the coach to Herne Bay. It was very much appreciated.
BHTFC Women Battle for Woodingdean Win BHTFC 2 Woodingdean 0 23/03/2025
Sometimes in football you just have to roll up your collective sleeves and battle for every blade of grass. Woodingdean were set up to stifle any rhythm and were heading for a commendable draw. Hill huffing and puffing against six defenders. However, a huge mistake by the visiting keeper 70 mins allowed Kirk her easiest goal of the season. The turning point of a difficult afternoon for our squad. Kirk scored a late goal to wrap it up.
BHTFC Women’s Instagram simply read ‘PHEW!’
U18s Grab Home Call Point BHTFC 2 Hastings 2 24/03/2025
Both teams produced brilliant Monday Night football under the Home Call lights. After a breezy 1st half the hosts were stunned by a 45th min Hastings goal. On 60 mins United doubled their lead. A poacher’s goal by Thomas Sekyere set up a grandstand finish. Hill completed the comeback in the last min as the ref pointed to the spot. Koby Farrell holding his nerve.
Manager Berty Oliva was very pleased with his sides battling qualities.
U18s Gain Another Home Point during Busy Week. BHTFC 1 EB 1 27/3/2025
Jake King rescued a point for Hill after EB had scored in the 1st half. Kicking towards the Ashley Carr stand he found a yard of space in the box to nutmeg the keeper. Hill were very unlucky not to take all three points after an almighty goal mouth scramble late on.
The team can take immense credit for not letting this one slide especially after an intensive few days of football. Joint Manager Adie Clayton said ‘we are very pleased with the resilience of this team and with just four matches left we are looking to finish the season strongly’
Nathan Cooper Volleys Three Late Home Points. BHTFC 2 Phoenix 1 29/03/2025
In an amazing turn around in fortunes Hill scored two very late goals to claim victory over our old foes Phoenix Sports. After a slow start to the afternoon, it was Sports who fashioned a one nil half time lead. During a captivating 2nd half the visitors threatened to double their lead.
However, Hill kept to the task and Stefan Vukoje hauled Hill back into the contest on 88 mins. Then with time running out centre back Nathan Cooper, who enhanced his player of the season credentials, lurked at the back post to crisply volley home the winner. Over 500 in the Home Call Carpets Community Stadium erupted in delight.
Nathan was awarded Man of the Match by Sponsors LRG Group.
As the dust settled it was a crucial win as all five top Isthmian South East teams had won. Hill are still battling for that coveted home play off opportunity.
Alan Pook Reunites with his late 1990s Players 29/03/2025
A large contingent of ex BHTFC players from 1996 through 1999 regathered at the Home Call Community Stadium. It turned into a brilliant afternoon, and it was great to see them all back at Leylands Park.
Women Go Three Points Clear. BHTFC 3 Hollingbury 1 01/04/2025
Our Women’s team grabbed an amazing opportunity to play under the Home Call Carpets Community Stadium lights to go three points clear at the League summit. Chloe Chesworth rubber stamped a Player of the Match award with a 70th min opener. A thunderbolt from distance. Meg scored a tap in just mins later and Kirk completed the Hill scoring. Hawks with a last-ditch consolation goal.
While pleased at being top of the table Joint Manager Jacob Bennett warned ‘There are some strong tests to come!’
First Team Cement Play Offs at the Wasps EG 1 BHTFC 4 02/04/2025
2024 25 Isthmian South East play offs confirmed after commanding win. Our mid-week trip to dry and mild East Court turned into a fun occasion as the teams turned on the style. Vukoje fired Hill into the lead then Pope capitalised on an error to sweep home the 2nd. O’Neill was on hand score. Pope then had all fans on their feet with a thundering volley to make it four. Perhaps the goal of the season?
The job was done at HT even though EG, to their credit, were a little plucky in the 2nd half.
The positive result meant that Hill were assured of play off come the end of the month.
Ps Yours truly got his car stuck in the mud. Thanks to all who came to my aid.
U18s Beat Bridges to Hunt down 2nd Place. BHTFC 2 Bridges 1 03/04/2025
After a slow start Charlie Bonwick Adams scored the perfect poachers goal to settle the nerves. However right on HT Bridges levelled up after a mistake at the back.
Hill were excellent in the 2nd under clear skies creating a number of corners. On 70 mins Kia Birchley grabbed the winner with a back stick header.
Berty said ‘That was a good game fair play to both teams but I did feel we deserved to win!’
Hill U18s have three more games to play.
Hill Stunned at sunny Mayfield Croydon AFC Croydon 3 BHTFC 0 05/04/2025
Huge congrats to our hosts on a good job done and not allowing their season to just drift away. The mid table team turned up ready to battle and eventually ran out comfortable winners.
The writer wasn’t there so can’t comment on the general feeling during or after the game. But will suggest that we very quickly block this from the memory bank, regroup and get on with doing what we are good at. And that’s winning football matches!
Seagals Beat BHTFC Women Behind Closed Doors. Seagals 5 BHTFC 3 06/04/2025
In a bizarre move Seagals insisted that this one at Warden Park School be played behind closed doors. Access was strictly denied unless your name was on the list. Lesley Sharma covered the game for us. Apparently, it wasn’t a very nice afternoon.
Seagals worked us over to take a five-nil lead into the break. We showed great spirit but eventually came up short. Ellie Livingstone with a brace.
Huge credit to our Squad. Clingo said ‘I am really proud of our players, coaching staff and everyone involved in the club.’
The result puts our team back in the pack with Hailsham and Oakwood all on 31 points with three games to go. We are in for an exciting conclusion to this League Campaign.
We will catch up with this in Edition 10.
Brand New Hillian’s Talk Pod Cast takes to the Air. 09/04/2025
Jack, Lynden (On Tech) and I complete Edition One (The Business End) and it’s served to the public on all sorts of platforms.
Edition Two is planned for Three Bridges at home where we hope to have a couple of guests taking part.
Let’s see where this takes us.
U18s beat Whitehawk Fletch Scores a Stunner. BHTFC 1 Whitehawk 0 10/04/2025
On a mild evening here in Mid Sussex Hill knocked on the door for most of the match. They were professional and hard working. On 70 mins Fletcher Fane thumped home the winner to jubilant scenes.
Adie said later ‘we set up well tonight and the boys delivered. The three points were very welcome’ As to Fletcher he said ‘he has a lot of talent and doesn’t know how to score a bad goal!’
Gary Mansell Appointed Director of Football. 11/04/2025
In a nod to the future David and Vicky created a new role for Joint Manager Gary Mansell with immediate effect.
The club see the Director of Football position as a key component in implementing a shared philosophy, playing style, culture and values.
Mansell said ‘I can wait to get started!’
Gary if you reading, huge congratulations!. You are already a massive Ambassador for BHTFC and this role is perfect for your skill sets work ethics and personality. You will smash it out the park!! Cobo x
The Future is Bright!
Brannon Leads Best Display of the Season. BHTFC 4 Deal 0 12/04/2025
In arguably the best Hill performance for a decade (since Sutton away in the FA Cup) O’Neill led the way with the 1st half hat trick. The last might go down as the Hill Goal of the Season. A tremendous flying volley off the heel top corner keeper no chance. It was a magical moment of a spell binding team performance.
It was an honour to be there.
Hill bounce back and once again look in complete charge of their own 2024 25 destiny.
U18s lose to Horsham and Worthing but take all the Plaudits. 15/4/2025 and 17/4/2025
A wonderful and hugely successful 24 25 U18s Campaign came to an end this week with two narrow losses against the best teams on the Isthmian South Youth league. On Tuesday the Hornets were contained for most of the game but on 60 mins they won it with a quick free kick and break away. On Thursday Champions Rebels and Hill played out a stunning game of football where Worthing ran out four two winners.
We spoke to an emotional Berty after the game an interview you can see on watts app. He felt it was a unique season with the team going deep in the Fa Youth Cup.
The writer has been very proud to have covered the U18s this season. I wish every member of the squad the best of luck in the future.
I am sure there is much more to come from this story.
Brickies One Hill One. Good Friday Football in Swale. 18/4/2025
Huge thanks to the club for putting on a coach for staff and fans to Sittingbourne. Woodstock was quite rammed for this one under sunny skies and mild temps. Both sets of fans made a right old din in the 1st half. Brannon is becoming the master in front of goal. He found a yard of space and smashed it top corner. One nil HT. However, Sittingbourne were always going to a tough side to beat, and they levelled up on the hour.
This was more about the ‘learning’ rather than result, the league places already set in stone. We gave a brilliant account of ourselves but to me these upcoming play offs are going to be immense.
It feels the right time to end Edition 9 on a cliff hanger for BHTFC. The whole season comes down to 29th April when we take on Margate here in the Isthmian South East Play Off semi final 7.30pm. Win that and we go again on Friday 2nd May. This Diary wishes all connections the very best of luck and warmest regards as we all go into the ‘unknown’. Edition 10 will deliver the outcome.
Editor Colin Bowman 20/04/2025
