Boss Ian Chapman warns his Burgess Hill side to sharpen up at the back

Burgess Hill (green)v Corinthian Casuals. Pic Steve Robards SUS-140818-113833001

Hillians twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Horsham on Tuesday night to continue their unbeaten start to the Ryman League South Division campaign.

But for all their attacking football, against a side who were yet to claim a point, Chapman was quick to highlight their defensive frailties.

Speaking after the Horsham draw, he said: “Play like we have tonight and we are going to be mid-table and no better.

“The players need to it into their heads that when we are dominating games, we have got to put them to bed.

“I am pleased with a point in the end, but not happy that when we are creating chances and going forwards, we cannot be at our most vulnerable.

“It’s difficult but we have got to be in better shape when we are going forwards as a team and more organised.

“The last two years we have finished eighth and sixth and I feel we have a better squad now, but again, we cannot keep going a goal down and conceding.

“We have conceded six goals in three games and that is not good enough. If we are going to challenge this season we need to be keeping clean sheets.”

Chapman did however admit that he was satisfied with their unbeaten start considering the fact they are still missing a number of midfield personal.

Joe Keehan picked up a knock on Tuesday night and was replaced, while Hillians are also waiting on the returns of Chris Breach, Graham Martin, Spencer Slaughter and Stuart Tuck.

He added: “After four games, to have eight points I would have said I’d take that.

“Obviously, you want to win every game, but we’ll take that.

“Joe Keehan is doubtful for the weekend, although Toby Pointing was back from holiday and on the bench for us tonight (Tuesday).

“Four or five of the guys are playing in a game with Lingfield on Thursday so they should get some game time there.

“If we can get through the next couple of games as we are then we should be looking at lot stronger when everyone comes back in.”

Hillians now face two more Sussex derbies over the weekend when hosting Hastings on Saturday and visiting Three Bridges on Monday.