New signing : We have signed the young Brighton & Hove Albion professional Kane Louis, initially on a months loan.

Kane, a striker, has been doing very well in Brighton's Reserves and Youth team and will go straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Whitstable Town. Manager Jamie Howell said he was delighted to get the season started with a point earlier in the week and now looked forward to the upcoming holiday weekend and the chance to add more points and really get the season started and back on track.

Excepts from a good Argus interview with Andy Naylor (click for full article) ...

The former Dorothy Stringer pupil, spotted playing for Hove Park Colts at the age of ten, has developed into a promising forward following a spell as a central midfielder like his father.

He has already started a couple of games in the reserves and was named by former manager Dean Wilkins in the senior squad for the FA Cup tie against Stafford Rangers two seasons ago.

Louis said: "I like getting the ball to feet and turning, finding nice little passes or taking people on.

"I should get more goals but I like setting people up as well. I like to be buzzing all the time.

"I support West Ham and I used to like Jermain Defoe. I was annoyed when he went. I always looked up to him and Joe Cole. I like players that play with freedom - they just look happier."

Folkestone Invicta FC 1 - 0 Burgess Hill Town FC

Burgess Hill Town 1 - 1 Ashford Town FC

(Steve Harper)

Friday 26th September 2008

FA Cup Vs Bognor Regis Town FC ......... preview news.

Sat. 27th September 2008 ... FA Cup

Burgess Hill Town FC 0-0 Bognor Regis Town FC

Well, apart from a couple pictures (top and bottom) by me and one of Ashley Carr by Nick, all these excellent photographs are courtesy of Terry Buckman. Have a look at the book A Season of Sussex football (by David Bauckham & Terry Buckman).

and .... even MORE high quality pictures from 'Andy the Photographer' CLICK HERE

and ... Terry Buckman's complete collection of his shots of this game are HERE

Now we do it all again on Tuesday evening in the replay at Bognor ... looking forward to it.

Tue. 30th September 2008 ... FA Cup Replay

Bognor Regis Town FC 0-2 Burgess Hill Town FC

(Harper, Johnson)

Congratulation to all players, management, officials and supporters - what a victory for the club.

CLICK HERE for the Manager's comments

Here's how the ARGUS reported the game ...

Hillians shock Bognor

Jamie Howell put one over the club he served for ten years when Burgess Hill knocked Bognor out of the FA Cup.

The Hillians claimed a third qualifying round tie at home to Eastleigh after winning 2-0 at Nyewood Lane.

Steve Harper put the Ryman division one south side ahead on 12 minutes with a neat finish but Bognor rallied with Danny Smith, twice, and Tom Clarke going close before half-time.

However, the Blue Square south hosts were undone six minutes into the second half when Paul Hinshelwood’s attempted clearance fell to Dan Beck who centred for another former Rock, Ben Johnson, to fire home.

Hillians boss Howell said: “I’m delighted. When we took over we wanted to raise the profile of the club and hopefully we have done that.

“I’m so pleased for everyone at the club. We have a little reward for all the hard work they have put in.”

4th October 2008

Burgess Hill Town FC 3 - 1 Dunstable Town FC

(Harper, Fogden, Louis)

A wild rainy day with difficult conditions brings another enthralling game to Leylands Park as the Hillians progress in the FA Trophy, after going a goal behind. During the game Captain Steve Harper scores his 151st goal for the Club! AND Nick Fogden scores on his 100th appearance !

Bit of video fun CLICK ... any problems seeing it GO HERE.

Later this week there will be an interview posted with Assistant Manager Colin Hunwick.

Above left 'Foggy' watches his goal go in and right is on his way to celebrate.

Below the ball on its way in.

and below Kane Louis' free kick goal about to go in, unfortunately he's out of shot.

7th October 2008

Burgess Hill Town FC 0 - 1 Merstham FC

OUCH ! Hillians hurt by late winning goal from very lively opponents.

11th October 2008 : FA CUP 3rd Qualifying Round

Burgess Hill Town FC 2 - 1 Eastleigh FC

Mid Sussex Times filmed interview with Jamie Howell CLICK

A tense and thrilling game - it's never dull ! Nine years since we last reached the 4th Qualifying Round - a great achievement. Better pictures to be posted tomorrow.

Not the best picture - but this is Steve Harper getting the first goal.

and there is Steve Harper wheeling away after netting the 2nd goal.

Hot shot from Ben Johnson which goes narrowly wide.

Manager Jamie Howell being interviewed by Chris Francis from The Mid Sussex Times ... moments later someone ran out of the dressing room and threw a bucket of water over his head !!! After the laughter died down - the interview continued ... some distance away.	Best Dressed Cameraman award. Well it was a big occasion.

Here's how Chris Francis reported the game for the Mid Sussex Times ...

Hillians added another prize scalp when they moved to within 90 minutes of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup.
Hillians: Stoner; M Piper, Gainsford, Fogden, Gregory; Greenfield, Howell, Cotton, Johnson; Beck, Harper. Subs: French, Elkis, Carr, Westlake, Lansdale, Hunwick.
Eastleigh: Matthews; Harris, Challis, Riviere, Jordan, Byles, Adeniyi, Taggart, Groves, Baker, Bodkin. Subs: Goodhind, F0rbes, Hughes, Brown, Roberts.
Referee:Stephen Daly.Assistants: Liam Walshe, Mark Engelbertson.
It was a big day for Hillians as they were bidding to claim another Conference South scalp to move within one match of the FA Cup first round proper.
Player-manager Jamie Howell, as expected, went for experience, recalling himself and talisman skipper Steve Harper as well as playing new signing Justin Gregory in place of youngster Reuben French.
Eastleigh created the first chance when they won a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box only 90 seconds in. Tony Taggart's fierce drive beat the wall but was comfortably turned over by Craig Stoner.
It was even easier for Stoner eight minutes in when good work by Matt Bodkin released Matt Groves. It was a good chance but Groves went slightly wide and the finish was weak.
Hillians' best moment had come just before when Richard Greenfield almost got goalside of the visiting defence but was foiled by Andy Harris.
Home hopes were raised on 14 minutes when big Danny Gainsford flicked on a Ben Johnson corner but Eastleigh cleared the danger.
Two minutes later James Baker got in a header from Taggart's cross but again the visiting finish lacked power.
The best move of the match came after 19 minutes when big Peter Adeniyi played a neat one-two with Baker before hitting a shot across the face of the goal that went for a throw-in. It deserved a better finish.
A linesman's flag robbed Hillians and skipper Harper of a great chance on 22 minutes after great battling by Lloyd Cotton and a fine pass from Dan Beck.
Two minutes later Gainsford was booked for pulling back Groves after a long clearance caught out the home defence badly but Harris blazed the free kick way over.
Hillians really carved open the visiting defence on 29 minutes as Beck's header released Greenfield but his angled drive was turned over by keeper Jason Matthews.
A minute later Piper's cross was dummied by Gainsford but Beck's effort at the near post was blocked for a corner. Even then the danger was not over as Matthews, under pressure, dropped the ball but recovered possession before the hosts could cash in.
The home crowd had plenty to cheer on 39 minutes when their side shocked the Conference visitors by going ahead and there were no prizes for guessing it was Harper who was the scorer. But there were plenty of others involved in a good moved that again opened up the Eastleigh defence.
Beck, Harper and Cotton combined to set up Greenfield for a good chance and when Matthews failed to hold the low shot, Harper picked up the pieces.
It was Hillians who went off at half time in a happier frame of mind and no doubt looking forward to seeing some of the highlights on Meridian TV on Monday. But player-manager Howell would have been quick to remind his side that nothing was won at that stage.
Eastleigh were obviously keen to get on with the job as they were out after half long before their hosts and the officials.
And they made the early running, with Groves' cross passing across the face of the goal without anyone getting a touch.
But four minutes in Harper missed a great chance when released by Beck. Harper was goalside but his finish was poor as the ball rolled tamely wide.
Five minutes later it was vintage Harper when Beck's flicked header put him through in an identical position and this time he lifted the ball effortless over the stranded keeper.
Eastleigh's misery was almost complete three minutes later when striker Groves was sent off for a second bookable offence. His first for a foul was harsh and he was red carded when shooting long after the whistle had blown.
Eastleigh boss Ian Baird made a couple of quick substitutions in an attempt to rally his troops but Hillians were in determined mood.
On 69 minutes referee Stephen Daly evened up the numbers when he sent off home centre half Gainsford for a second bookable offence. If Groves was unlucky then certainly so was Gainsford as it was a case of mistaken identity after the referee penalised a challenge by Nick Fogden.
Despite home protestations and then consulting a linesman a linesman, the referee stuck by his decision.
Biggest cheer of the afternoon came after 76 minutes when Fogden's driven pass hit referee Daly squarely on the head and he needed treatment before continuing. The crowd did give him agenerous round of applause when he did resume duties.
With the wholehearted Cotton filling in at the heart of the home defence, they coped comfortably with anything Eastleigh could offer and Ben Johnson twice almost added to the lead.
First his low drive appeared to touched around by keeper Matthews, although no corner was given, and then Harper did superbly to release him again and this time his delicate chip hit the outside of a post.
Taggart blazed over a great chance for Eastleigh but with two minutes plus five minutes stoppage time remaining, he threw his side a lifeline by heading in Adeniyi's cross.
After that subs Jamie Brown and Andy Forbes both went mighty close but Hillians deservedly held out to claim another prize scalp.

11th October 2008 : FA CUP 3rd Qualifying Round

Burgess Hill Town FC 2 - 1 Eastleigh FC

Enormous thanks the Rob James who has taken the trouble to send us these quality pictures, and there are more to come.

Click on ALL the pictures for larger shots - if you'd like any as wallpaper for your computers contact me.

13th October 2008 : FA CUP 4rd Qualifying Round FULL DRAW HERE

Burgess Hill have been drawn at home to the winners of the Harlow Town /Crowborough Athletic game.

The replay in that tie is tomorrow (Tue.14 Oct08) at Crowborough.

Video highlights of the Eastleigh game HERE (let the advert play first)

14th October 2008 : Burgess Hill Town FC 2 - 1 Cray Wanderers FC

(Gregory, Beck)

A hard game coming at a tough time : between Cup games, with some injuries and against a top side who always seem to beat us ! So it was extra pleasing to get 3 good league points with such a positive and strong performance, against one of the World's oldest Football Clubs.

Justin Gregory's screamer hits the back of the net - camera not too good at night.

20th October 2008 : We hope to sign Scott Harris tomorrow at training. He has played for Bognor and Portsmouth and is a midfield player ... more as we get it.

This 'lifted' from the Bognor website : "Joined the Rocks from Portsmouth in 2007 where he completed YTS and then two years as a professional. One of the few players remaining from last season and a firm favourite with the home fans as he scored the goal that guaranteed Conference South football this season"

23rd October 2008 : Manager Jamie Howell chats with the website about the coming FA Cup game against Harlow Town FC from the Ryman Premier Division.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Put up with the poor quality sound this time .... new phone is going back tomorrow!

24rd October 2008 : Justin Gregory and The Argus get CUP FEVER too !

"Gregory keen to help Hillians create history ... By Mike Legg

Justin Gregory wants to repay Burgess Hill for giving him a chance by helping them into the FA Cup first round for the first time. The Hillians are billing the visit of Ryman premier Harlow Town to Leylands Park on Saturday as the biggest match in their history with a possible glamour tie against Football League opposition awaiting the winners.

Gregory, 33, knows all about romance of the FA Cup and has reached the fourth round twice but he also knows what a heartbreaker it can be. The experienced full-back grabbed national headlines last season during Havant and Waterlooville’s Cup adventure when the FA prevented him from playing in a dream tie against Liverpool at Anfield after he totted up five yellow cards and was hit with a one-game ban.

The Hawks slotted in a league match before the game so Gregory could be available but the FA decided it would not count and rule him out. Now Gregory is desperate to bring all his Cup experience to bear to help Hillians live the dream and appreciates the irony of getting another chance at a club he only joined last month after leaving Worthing and spending time at Lewes and Shoreham.

Gregory said: “I’ve always played for a team and stuck with that team but because of Worthing cutting their budget I was let go at a time when other teams couldn’t sign me as they had either done their budget or had their team sorted.

“I was calling in favours, especially with Shoreham, and it was great to get games as nobody is going to sign you if you’re not fit. But I was one of those players who drifts from team to team and I’m not like that. People have got me down as a big money-grabber but I have never been like that.

“I really appreciate the manager Jamie Howell and the directors giving me the opportunity to play here. In the time I have been here I think this is a great little club with players of exceptional ability for a team of this level. If we apply ourselves then I can see us moving out of this league.

“I appreciate the chance and would like to pay back the people who have given me the opportunity.

“I have had a couple of approaches recently but I like it here so much that I have turned down playing at a higher level.

“I like to settle somewhere and give the best for that team.”

Gregory, a physiotherapist who works from his home in Hove, feels the Hillians have a chance of causing another upset after already knocking out Blue Square south Eastleigh.

He said: “We have to respect Harlow as they are a league above us but it is a Cup game and we will be going out there to put ourselves on show and, hopefully, get through to the first round proper. It’s great for the club. It puts you on the map but it also puts some of the younger players in the shop window. We’ve got some good players and if they excelled on Saturday there would be a lot of media coverage and they could catch the eye.

“I think having someone like me with experience in the FA Cup can be valuable to the team.”

Like Gregory with Havant, Hillians centre-half Danny Gainsford will miss the tie due to a one-game ban but assistant manager Colin Hunwick is hoping that will serve as an incentive to the rest of the squad.

He said: “Having Dan on suspension is going to be really tough for us.

“He is obviously very disappointed but all we can do is hope to get through to the next round so he will have the chance to go the furthest he has ever been in a cup competition.”

Player-boss Howell (groin), Gregory (dead leg) and Nick Fogden (shin) are all battling to be fit for the game but Lloyd Cotton (ankle) is definitely out.

Striker Steve Harper (hip), Matt Piper (thigh) and Ruben French (ankle) are all carrying knocks but should play.

Kane Louis has now returned to Albion but Howell will add Dave Piper and Charlie Balfe to the squad.

The club are stoking up cup fever after teaming up with the Little Chef at Hickstead to allow under-16s free entry and supporters are being urged to wear yellow as Hillians bid to reach the first round proper for the first time."

28th October 2008 :

Last words on (this years) FA CUP ......... because

THIS IS FOOTBALL ... THAT WAS YESTERDAY ...

Tonight it's a difficult game away to Walton & Hersham FC ........ CLICK FOR INTERVIEW WITH MANAGER

A signing and a departure ...

In a fascinating switch, Manager Jamie Howell reveals that Richard Greenfield has moved to Worthing FC and that Richard Hudson is moving in the other direction and joining Burgess Hill Town FC.

. . . . . . . . . .

As usual when someone leaves, we express our thanks to Richard Greenfield for his efforts and his contribution to Burgess Hill Town Football Club. Richard will still have many friends here and we will follow his progress with real interest.

We welcome Richard Hudson, a player of reknowned quality, to the Club.

Richard Hudson's picture is from the Worthing Flickr site - thanks.

UPDATE

Mike Legg of The Argus writes ...

Burgess Hill and Worthing have done a swap deal involving wingers Richard Greenfield and Richard Hudson.

Hillians’ Greenfield is on his way to Woodside Road while Hudson is moving in the opposite direction to Leylands Park. Winger Greenfield has been a regular in the Hillians side this season, scoring three goals, while Hudson has returned to the Rebels’ ranks following a long-term ankle injury.

Hillians player-boss Jamie Howell said: “They want Greenfield and, to be truthful, I don’t want to lose him but I want Hudson as he can offer us goals. That’s why we are doing the swap. Richard has been sensational for us so we will miss him. Richard Hudson has had his injuries but once he gets his fitness back he will be a very good acquisition for us.”

The Hillians are in league action at Corinthian Casuals but Howell misses the trip with a pelvic problem which will sideline him for three to four weeks. Centre half Danny Gainsford returns from a two-game suspension.

Friday 31st October 2008 ...

Burgess Hill Town Manager Jamie Howell talks about yesterday's transfer swop, tomorrow's match and squad details for our visit to Corinthian Casuals FC.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Can't play sound file? GO HERE

Saturday 1st November 2008 ...

Corinthian-Casuals FC 3 - 3 Burgess Hill Town FC

(Fogden, Beck, Westlake)

Within 7 days Burgess Hill Town go from playing in front of 845 people to playing in front of 84 people yesterday at Corinthian-Casuals.

In quite torrential rain the pitch soon becomes difficult. We lead 3 times and still end up drawing. A bootleg recording of our dressing room after the game is being sent to Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross to show them how it's done.

Who's got a new camera then? We have! BHTFC invest in some good equipment, I hope you'll notice the quality improving soon on the website. Thanks to Terry Buckman for the good deal on the camera, and thanks to constant Club sponsors PARK CAMERAS for the terrific deal on the lens.

Early in the game and Steve Harper goes very close.

Ben Johnson on his way past a Casuals defender.

New signings ... Scott Harris and Richard Hudson.

Justin Gregory moving us forward.

Two studies : Scorer Dan Beck thoughtful, and, Justin Gregory with the injury from the midweek game.

Steve Harper about to score - until the Casuals keeper pulls off another fine save.

Phil Elkins (on in the second half for the injured Danny Gainsford) hoping to make a nuisance of himself at a corner late in the game. The frozen, soaking 'keeper confides to the sole spectator behind the goal (me) that his shirt now weighs about a stone and he wants the final whistle!

Casuals celebrate a point - we are disappointed. I think we would have taken 4 out of 6 away points this week - but we are still disappointed.

James Martin who is away at University in Bath, has signed dual forms with Chippenham Town of the BGB Premier division.

News ... #52

3 Nov 2008

Burgess Hill Town Youth 0 - 2 Wycombe Wanderers Youth

1st Round (Proper) FA Youth Cup

Manager's report and pictures on the Youth pages. (recognise the visitor below!)

Match Report from THE ARGUS by Howard Griggs

In a time of hardship for many football clubs, Burgess Hill’s future is looking bright.

Seven months ago the club feared it may go to the wall after being served with an eviction order from Leylands Park by the district council. That “misunderstanding”, as the club call it, is now behind them and the future is looking rosy. They are stable, solvent and working hard on long-term plans to move to a new ground.

On the pitch one of the brightest young managers in Sussex football has moulded Hillians into a team with realistic hopes of promotion to Ryman premier. A 1-1 draw at home to a Sittingbourne side, who began the day seven places above them in the table, may be considered two points dropped by some fans.

But, having played for 77 minutes with ten men, Hillians showed great character to prove a play-off place is well within their reach. Chairman Kevin Newell certainly believes things are now moving in the right direction. He said: “We have the ground grading required for Ryman premier. We are in negotiations about extending our stay at Leylands Park and we are very keen that Jamie and his team can challenge for promotion this year.

“We think that a town the size of Burgess Hill, with its growth potential, should be aiming to be a Conference south team. We have the catchment area and feel there is the latent support. “In Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath we have nigh on 60,000 people in our catchment area which would enable us to sustain a team at that level. “Jamie has done a terrific job but Colin Hunwick (assistant) and Stuart Tuck are very important as well. We believe our management team is the envy of a lot of clubs.”

Player-boss Howell and player-coach Tuck are out injured, along with midfielder Lloyd Cotton, and Hillians’ resources were stretched further when Matt Piper was sent off 13 minutes into Saturday’s game. Piper saw red for bringing down Tom Bradbrook as the last man. It looked to me as though he got a touch on the ball first, although Howell had few complaints. Home fans were further infuriated when Danny Gainsford’s header from a Richard Hudson free-kick on 21 minutes was ruled out for pushing, which only the referee seemed to spot.

The excellent Gainsford did break the deadlock on 29 minutes with another great header following a long throw by Burgess Hill’s very own Rory Delap, Jon Lansdale. Teenage midfielder Lansdale slotted in at right-back after Piper’s dismissal and contributed well to an excellent team effort as the ten men took the game to their visitors.

After the interval, Steve Harper’s rasping snapshot was touched on to the bar by Sittingbourne goalkeeper Matt Reed who also held Ben Johnson’s low shot and then saved at point-blank range from substitute Phil Elkins. The visitors, having survived those chances, drew level six minutes from time when Bryan Glover scored from a couple of yards after a goalmouth scramble which followed Hicham Akhazzan’s sharp run.

Sittingbourne should have gone for the win, instead Burgess Hill did with Harper rifling a shot against the base of the near post, Johnson having a shot held at the second attempt and Scott Harris forcing another fabulous save from Reed with time running out.

Howell, 31, said: “It is a little frustrating. When they got their goal I thought they would be pressing us. I thought a point would be fair enough but we showed great character to come back again. It is another game unbeaten and we will take a positive from that but we need to start turning some of these draws into wins. I know what the team is capable of and I don’t think we are achieving that at the moment. If we play to our capability there is no team in the league we would be frightened of. Promotion is the aim. Doing that automatically might be a tall order now but we have got to be in the play-offs and that is where I am striving to be.”

Burgess Hill: Stoner, Piper, Gregory, Lansdale, Gainsford, Fogden, Harper, Harris, Hudson (sub Elkins 76), Beck, Johnson. Subs not used: French, Westlake, Martin, Hustwick.

Sittingbourne: Reed, Rivers, Dowley, Haverson, Payne, Alderton, Milton (sub Kayembe 49), Glover (sub Manners 90), Bradbrook, Richmond (sub Horlock 73), Akhazzan. Subs not used: Plant, Marques.

Referee: Mr J. O’Brien. . . . . . Attendance: 165 . . . . . Man-of-the-match: Danny Gainsford