HILLIANS DRAWN AWAY TO EITHER EASTBOURNE UNITED OR MAIDENHEAD UNITED IN THE 1ST ROUND PROPER. DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

Defender Kai Birchley got the Homecall in raptures last night as he came up with an explosive late winner at the club house end.  The decking of woe nearly sagged under the weight of home fans jumping up and down.  It was no more than our U18s deserved.

There was no hint of the excitement to come as both teams spent 15 mins feeling their way into the game. The ball seemed to be trapped in a mid-field tussle.  It was Hill who made the 1st real foray into the box.  The right winger got to the by line and sent an exquisite ground ball along the goal line.  Amazingly no one got a touch.  However, it was Erith who drove themselves into the lead on 30 mins with a fierce shot high into net.  Hill responded well.  On 40 mins Damien Theodore curled a nice-looking shot just past the far post.  On the stroke of HT Erith survived ‘pin ball’ action as they cleared three goal bound shots off the line.  

Hill then dominated play early in the 2nd half as both wingers found space down the channels.  Crosses raining in. The equaliser duly arrived after a neat three man move which ended with Charlie Bonwick-Adams stretching the defence with a power run and shot from the left. The ball flashing across the keeper and into the far corner.  That signalled a brilliant 25 mins from the visitors who were spurred on a large travelling contingent.  They got forward in numbers and showed excellent control of the football. Mid way through the 2nd half the ball fell kindly to their centre forward and it seemed destined for the gaol. Unfortunately for Erith he scooped the ball high over the bar.  

In football you need to score when you’re on top. Erith couldn’t get it done and were punished.  On 80 mins Hill stole the ball and moved forward. In a breathtaking move defender Kai Birchley beat two men and thumped an unstoppable shot top bins for the win. The Homecall erupted!

While goal scores always get the headlines new England School Boy recruit Sonni Nealgrove in goal is awarded the Man of the Match with a faultless display. He was calm under a lot of pressure out there and his passing/kicking were top quality.

We spoke to Managers Adie and Berty (full interview on Hillians TV).  Adie said ‘We are delighted, Erith are a good side and caused us problems.’  Berty said ‘we are proud of the reaction from the team after going behind’   Kai said ‘It was a good feeling one that I will never forget!’

Our U18s are a hugely important part of the Burgess Hill Town Fc family and together the club are moving forward with a great strides. Good luck to the squad in the 1st Round proper. We will be there for you.

Adie Clayton & Berty Oliva chat to Hillians TV following the 2-1 FA Youth Cup win over Erith Town

Kai Birchley speaks to Hillians TV following the 2-1 FA Youth Cup win