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Problems mount
for Hillians
JPMT 210112 Football, Burgess Hill v Whitehawk. photo by Derek Martin
BURGESS HILL boss Simon Rowland was expecting to have change how his team line up this Saturday after injuries to two key players.
Skipper Lloyd Cotton could be out for a fortnight after sustaining an ankle injury in a tackle that saw Whitehawk’s Ben Godfrey sent off in last week’s Sussex derby.
And regular left back Akwasi Edusei will be out even longer. He has a blood clot in his leg and was hospitalised this week.
The problem was thought to be groin trouble but Hillians decided to risk him on Saturday. Unfortunately, he lasted only 22 minutes before being substituted and earlier this week the true problem was discovered.
Edusei, Jones Awuah and Ty Berry came as something of a three-player package and so now with Edusei’s enforced absence and Jones having been released, that leaves Berry having to make his way down from London on his own.
Berry still has hopes of playing Conference football and with Hillians still struggling, there must be some doubt about his future at the club. At times he has been superb this season but on Saturday he had a poor match.
Rowland said of the departure of Jones: “We felt bad because after his heart scare he was still trying to get back to where he was before that. He’s a good player but clearly was struggling and unfortunately we’re not in a position to carry anyone at the moment.”
At least veteran Paul Tuppenney should be fit after being substituted in the second half on Saturday. Rowland explained “Tupps is 41 and suffers with tight hamstrings over the course of a game. We felt we had to bring him off on Saturday but clearly it cost us.”
After four games against top six sides, Hillians have a slightly easier task at Walton Casuals on Saturday although they have brought in some new faces since the arrival of Mick Sullivan, back for his second spell after leading Leatherhead to promotion last season.
Since Sullivan took over in November results have improved and a gritty 2-0 win at Godalming on Saturday took them up to the lofty heights of 12th.
Rowland has signed 16-year-old keeper Robert Phillips, who has The manager said: “He’s a terrific prospect and will take take over from Tom Betts next season. He’s even bigger than Bettsy.”
Rowland is hoping he won’t be needed this season although first choice Joel Harding has been struggling with a groin injury and missed the 1-0 defeat at Maidstone.
Harding was superb against Hawks and Rowland said: “He’s been terrific for us all season.”
Speaking of big centre forward Dom Clarke, who made his debut as sub on Saturday after signing from Rye, Rowland said: “We feel he may be able to do a job for us, especially in the air.”
lReport on page 63 and picture special on page 59
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
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