Burgess Hill set for FA Trophy progress after Margate withdraw

Burgess Hill are awaiting news of their FA Trophy fate after their next opponents Margate withdrew from the competition.
Burgess Hill in action at Hassocks, where they won 8-1 on Saturday to win the Ann John Memorial Trophy / Picture: Chris NealBurgess Hill in action at Hassocks, where they won 8-1 on Saturday to win the Ann John Memorial Trophy / Picture: Chris Neal
Burgess Hill in action at Hassocks, where they won 8-1 on Saturday to win the Ann John Memorial Trophy / Picture: Chris Neal

Jay Lovett was due to take his team to Margate tomorrow (Dec 8) evening for the first round tie but the home side have pulled out. That should see Burgess Hill given a bye to the next round.

Two Sussex clubs - Bognor and Hastings - are in Trophy action on Tuesday night, Bognor visiting Thame and Hastings going to Aveley, bidding for a place in round two, which is due to take place in midweek next week (Dec 15 - 16).

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Meanwhile Burgess Hill beat Hassocks 8-1 in the annual match for the Anne John Trophy

A statement to supporters from Margate said: "As you may already be aware, the Isthmian League have tonight announced that the Football season will be suspended due to the risks presented by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

"This decision has been agreed across the Trident Leagues, Isthmian, Southern and Northern. Currently they have given no details regarding review dates to restart the league, however, in the short term this means that no fixtures will be played throughout December.

"This has a particularly unfortunate effect on the Gate with regards to our scheduled FA Trophy on Tuesday 8 December. After much deliberation, we have taken the very tough decision to withdraw from the game.

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"A number of factors have contributed to this decision. Firstly, the health and safety of our players and staff are of paramount importance. Kent is currently in Tier 3 with alarming infection rates across the county. This risk alongside the fact a number of players in the squad are in isolation presents a serious risk factor.

"Additionally, as a Tier 3 area, no fans will be allowed into HDP to watch the game. The financial implications of this apply a pressure on the club if we proceed with the game. No one wanted this to be the way we finished 2020 but we hold out hope that football will return in 2021.

"We will update you with any information as and when we receive it. In the meantime, we hope supporters take good care and keep safe."