Burgess Hill Town moved up second place with three second half goals securing a 3-1 win over Steyning Town as the Hill’s fine form continued on an emotional day at the HomeCall Carpets Community Stadium in front of an excellent crowd of 512. 

There was a minutes applause before the match for former Hillians player, secretary, groundsman, bar manager and all round club person Roger Puttick who sadly passed away in the week.

Hillians included new signing Chris Whelpdale in the starting XI. The former Peterborough United, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon player signed for the Hillians the day before from Isthmian Premier side Whitehawk.

Hill were able to recall defender Alex Malins back from injury but Ryan Worrall, Ben Pope and Bobby Price were ruled out.

The hosts started brightly and Joe Overy crossed from the left for Stefan Vukoje but he was denied by Samuek Marsden in the Steyning goal. Overy was again the provider as he set up Alex Brewer whose effort was deflected for a corner. From the corner defender Nathan Cooper headed over.

Hill continued to turn the screw. Brewer kept a move alive and it lands at the feet of Kieran Rowe who can only stab wide.

On 19 minutes Steyning have their first effort of the game which is well saved by Slav Huk before Whelpdale breaks and cuts inside before having his shot blocked near the line.

Chances continued to come as Hamish Morrison bombed forward but another good block takes it for a corner. The corner comes in and this time, Malins heads at the GK.

Before half time ex-Hill Charlie Towning flattens ex-Steyning man Cooper and gets himself booked. The first of the game as the sides went in at the break all square.

Four minutes into the second and the visitors should have taken the lead as some lovely play gets them in behind and they hit the top of the bar.

Despite this though it was the Hillians who took the lead three minutes later with a moment of quality. Brewer flicks a gorgeous first time ball to Kieran Rowe who’s in behind, he squares it for Brannon O’Neill who blasts us into the lead.

Hill went in search of a second and Whelpdale, who was excellent on his debut, crossed for Brewer who nodded just wide. Soon after Whelpdale burst down the right and crossed for sub Ollie Davies, who replaced Overy, and he volleyed inches wide.

Hill got the all important second on 87 minutes as the brilliant Whelpdale beats the GK to a ball, lobs it over him and Davies latched onto it to slide home.

It was wrapped up in the 90th minute as Hill added a third thanks to Davies who scored again. Vukoje plays in Davies, who beats the defence and thumps home.

Steyning pulled one back right at the end through skipper Jack Barnes who smashed home a screamer. But it no more than a consolation as the damage was already done and the Hillians collected the three points.

As the final whistle blew and Hill moved up the second Club announcer John Rumble ended with the words, ‘that’s for you Roger’ a fine win for a true Hillian.

Hill: Slav Huk, Hamish Morrison, Reggie Ward, Brannon O’Neill, Alex Malins, Nathan Cooper, Stefan Vukoje, Kieran Rowe, Alex Brewer (Lewis Taylor 81), Chris Whelpdale (Marcel Powell 88), Joe Overy (Ollie Davies 60). Not used: Elliott Bresciani and Marcus Allen.