First Team
Isthmian League South East Division Tue 20 August Hanbury Park
Haywards Heath Town
  • McCreadie (25', 50', 62', 73')
  • Saunders (80')
5
Burgess Hill Town
  • Mfula (77')
1
5-1

Simon Wormull named an unchanged XI from the side who beat Hythe Town 7-2 on Saturday afternoon.

In front of a bumper crowd of 407 at Hanbury Park, the game got off to an even start with both sides trading early blows. In the 11th minute, Aaron Smith-Joseph almost put the Hillians in front, but his chipped effort rolled just wide of Luke Glover’s left-hand post. In the 25th minute, the hosts took the lead as Trevor McCreadie poked home from close range. Just three minutes later, Ryan Palmer almost drew the Hillians level, but his free-kick cannoned wide off the outside of the post. In the 31st minute, Simon Wormull’s men must have thought they’d found their equaliser, yet somehow, Smith-Joseph, Mfula, Palmer and Cadman all saw their efforts either cleared off the line or saved by Glover – in what can only be described as twenty seconds of sheer madness! The half came to a close with the referee waving away a Hillians’ penalty shout as Cadman appeared to be tripped inside the area.

HT 1-0.

The second half got off to a nightmare start for the Hillians, as McCreadie capitalised on a defensive error from Tolulope Jonah to extend his side’s lead. McCreadie completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute, as he fired past Billy Collings from close range. Simon Wormull made two changed in search of a deserved goal – with Andrew Briggs and Steve Sargent replacing Michael Wilson and Max Miller. Collings produced a fine save to thwart McCreadie twenty minutes from time, but his efforts were in vain as the forward made it four just moments later – capitalising upon another defensive mishap. The Hillians pulled one back, in the 77th minute, as Warren Mfula made no mistake from the penalty spot – following a clumsy challenge on ASJ. However, Callum Saunders capped off a great evening for the Heath as he headed home ten minutes from time.

FT 5-1.

A disappointing result for the Hillians – who can have no qualms about the result.

Thank you to Haywards Heath for your hospitality, we look forward to welcoming you to the Green Elephants Stadium in a couple of weeks.

A huge thank you to our fantastic supporters who turned out in numbers to support the club. Despite the result, you were loud and proud throughout the ninety minutes.

Next up, it’s Emirates FA Cup!