Burgess Hill have wrongs to right after Ramsgate defeat

Burgess Hill head to Whyteleafe on Tuesday aiming to 'right the wrongs' that led to a 3-0 home loss to clinical Ramsgate in the Isthmian south east division.
The Hillians management and subs watch on / Picture: Chris NealThe Hillians management and subs watch on / Picture: Chris Neal
The Hillians management and subs watch on / Picture: Chris Neal

In miserable conditions at the More Than Tyres Stadium on Saturday, Jay Lovett's side were punished by their visitors and never recovered from conceding two goals in four minutes late in the first half.

The hosts made the brighter start, with Alex Laing and Pat Harding capitalising on Jacob Russell’s loose clearance, but the Ramsgate ‘keeper redeemed himself with a smart save to deny Harding.

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In the 15th minute, Laing himself had a golden opportunity to give the Hillians the lead, when he found himself one-on-one but couldn’t beat Russell. Midway through the first half, Josh Ajayi had the visitors’ first attempt – but lashed his effort wide of the target.

Conditions not made for football... the rain lashes down as Burgess Hill do battle with Ramsgate / Picture: Chris NealConditions not made for football... the rain lashes down as Burgess Hill do battle with Ramsgate / Picture: Chris Neal
Conditions not made for football... the rain lashes down as Burgess Hill do battle with Ramsgate / Picture: Chris Neal

Another Hill chance came and went, as Max Blencowe was next to test Russell – who once again stood firm. In the 34th minute, against the run of play, the Rams took the lead, as Luke Carey rounded Alfie Jones following a slick counter-attack from the visitors.

Unfortunately, one became two just three minutes later, as the dangerous Ajayi skipped through to slot home after rounding Jones. Elliot Cross had the final chance of the half – but blazed his effort high and wide.

Within minutes of the restart, Pat Harding came within a toes-length of halving the deficit, as a loose back-pass just evaded his outstretched leg.

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The Rams extended their lead in the 56th minute, as Ashley Miller tapped home from six-yards out following some neat work down the right. Aaron Smith-Joseph almost sparked a late fightback, but for a superb last ditch challenge from Ryan Johnson.

The Hillians best two chances of the game fell in the final five minutes, as substitute, Max Miller headed Martyn Box’s dangerous cross against the post, before Nathan Cooper thudded the crossbar with a powerful header. Two chances which summed up Hill’s efforts in front of goal.

BHTFC verdict: A below-par performance from Jay Lovett’s men, with Ramsgate fully worthy of all three points. Next up, we’re off to Whyteleafe on Tuesday evening as we look to right Saturday's wrongs.

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