A 90th minute goal by Ollie Davies saw Burgess Hill Town progress in the Sussex Transport Senior Cup a result that was harsh on visiting Crowborough Athletic of the Southern Combination League.
Managers Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett named a strong side to face the Crows and the visitors were close to taking the Hillians to a penalty shootout until Davies slotted home a 90th minute winner to send Hill through to the third round.
The visitors started well and had the opening chance on 13 minutes but the returning Slav Huk in the Hill goal saved. Then there was a big chance for the Crows who were firmly on top. They get in down the right but, with only Huk to beat, they fire across goal and not in the goal.
Hill responded through Alex Brewer as the striker has a crack from 25 yards which Martin Grant has to tip over before the corner comes in and again, Grant has to tip over.
Hill should have taken the lead on the half hour mark as Davies is in over the top, he lobs the GK but it drops agonisingly wide and moments later the Hillians win a penalty after the GK Grant brings down a Green but he more than makes amends as he gets down low to his right and palms away Brewer’s spot kick.
The Crows again started the better side, as the rain came down at the HomeCall Carpets Community Stadium. A cross isn’t dealt with and it should be a simple tap in for the visitors, but they smash into the side netting.
At the other end Hill nearly took the lead on 64 minutes as Davies springs the offside trap and squares for Brewer, the defender gets back, clears against Brewer but it flies wide of the goal.
Grant made a good save to deny Brewer a winner as he beat his man to a loose ball but can’t beat the GK who’s in no man’s land.
It was Davies though that nicked the win for the Hill in the 90th minute as he gets in behind thanks to a lovely ball, and he keeps his calm and nutmegs Grant to send the Hill through to the third round in the pouring rain.
Hill: Slav Huk, Hamish Morrison, Reggie Ward (Bobby Price 90), Ryan Worrall, Nathan Cooper, Elliott Bresciani (Ben Pope 72), Ollie Davies, Kieran Rowe, Alex Brewer, Brannon O’Neill, Marcel Powell (Charlie Bonwick-Adams 79). Sub not used: Lewis Taylor.