Burgess Hill Town reached the third round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the Club’s history as Colchester United were the latest casualty to the Hillians superb cup run on a proud night for the town of Burgess Hill.
The win in front of a big crowd of 443 were treated to a spectacular game of football in a match that had everything. Hill came back from 2-0 down with Jake King pulling one back in the first half and Harry Lawson equalising in the second half. Colchester had a man sent off and after an exciting 30 minutes of extra time the Hillians won through on penalties as goalkeeper Sonni Nealgrove was again the hero saving a penalty to send the Hill into the third round where we will face Merstham.
Report below by Colin Bowman
Under Joint Managers Umberto Oliva and Adie Clayton Hill 18s are building a remarkable 24/25 Fa Youth Cup story which now stretches to six games. The latest created a real storm around the Home Call as over 440 fans packed the arena all producing an electric atmosphere.
As predicted League Two side Colchester looked the more comfortable in the early stages. Their passes crisp and accurate on a decent grass pitch. On 25 mins the right winger sent in the perfect cross for the striker to head firmly into the net. Just a few mins later the visitors looked to be cruising as that winger found some space inside the area to unleash an unstoppable shot at the near post. The Home Call momentarily stunned into silence.
That goal jolted Hill back into the game. The midfield suddenly found an extra yard as the visitors lost shape and rhythm. Indeed, Hill found a way back into the game with a well taken goal just five mins before half time. However, even after the ball was placed back in the middle the ref had spotted something, and the goal was chalked off. The only people in the ground not moaning were the 11 Hill players. They simply got on with the job in hand. And were handsomely rewarded on 45 mins. A stunning move left new goal scoring machine Jake King to smash home.
With the HomeCall Carpets Stadium rocking Hill U18s responded with a spell binding 2nd half performance which could and perhaps should have seen them win in normal time. They battled, grafted and fought for each other never once giving an inch. Hill worked the ball wide and through the middle with ease as Colchester looked leg weary. Midway through the 2nd half pressure told as Hill scored the equalising goal. A free kick from the left side was scrambled for a corner. That corner was then headed out for another corner. With Colchester in sixes and sevens the next corner was allowed the bounce and Harry Lawson was there to bundle home the perfect poachers goal. Mayhem ensued behind the goal. The visiting keeper then became the busiest player on the pitch as Hill pressed for the winner.
Extra time seem to pass very quickly with both teams manufacturing one chance a piece. Colchester hit the inside of a post after a rasping free kick. Then late on Noah Hoffman created a goal mouth scramble, his final shot hitting leg on the line before bouncing to safety.
A pulsating evening reached a climax after both teams had scored four from the allotted five. Hill scored the 6th to a resounding cheer. Then Penalty saving expert Sonni Nealgrove got down left to save the last kick of the night to send the Home Call into unbridled raptures.
The whole squad deserve all the plaudits for a wonder and memorable night here in Mid Sussex. Its an occasion that will be talked about for years to come. One player typified a hard-working performance, leading his line well throughout the 120 mins and scoring in the shootout. Man of the Match goes to Noah Hoffman.
