Jay Lovett’s troops have fond memories of Hastings away as last season the Hillians stunned the Isthmian South East winners with a 3-2 win thanks to a Tom Chalaye brace and a Martyn Box winner. A lot has changed since then with Hastings going on to gain promotion but the Hill will relish returning to a happy hunting ground and playing infront of an expected 1000+ crowd.

Burgess Hill couldn’t go into the game in much better form, unbeaten in the last 5 games. Last weekend we put 4 past Faversham in a dominant home display with Dan Perry, Martyn Box and a Max Miller brace securing the win. In the last FA Trophy round we managed to scrap our way through by fending off Hanworth Villa by 2 goals to 1.

Our hosts from along the coast have settled very well back into life at step 3, currently sitting in 7th with 20 points from 12 games. The last time the U’s were in action was in midweek as they fell 2-1 at home to top of the table Potters Bar. In the previous FA Trophy round, Hastings drew 0-0 in 90 minutes with Met Police but prevailed on penalties to set up this all Sussex tie. There is a couple of ex connections at the Pilot Field, Hastings are currently managed by former Hillian Gary Elphick and up top for the U’s remains Ben Pope who used to don the Green and Black.

Safe journey to all Hill connections travelling to the Pilot Field.