Burgess Hill Town 4, Met Police2: Hillians end run of defeats

Goals from Pat Harding, Chris Smith and a pair of penalties by Joe Keehan secured Hill the win on Saturday.

It was a good scalp for the Hillians as the Metropolitan Police reached the Play-Off semi-finals last year- proving Hill are capable of competing with the big boys.

The Hillians started with a more attacking formation this time around- with Ian Chapman deciding to field two strikers with both Pat Harding and Chris Smith up front.

However it was the Metropolitan Police who struck first with a penalty being awarded by the referee, Christopher Myatt, after a handball by Ollie Rowland after 22 minutes. Striker Charlie Collins converted into the top right to put the Police ahead.

Only two minutes later, in the 24th minute, the Hillians were level after new signing Rowland delivered a cross from the left that looped high over the keeper Thomas Williams. Pat Harding was at hand to slide in at the far post and poke the ball home into the empty net.

This goal fired up both the crowd and the Hillians. Seconds later Callum Saunders found himself on the right hand wing and his shot was blocked by the hand of defender Jorden Cheadle. Captain for the day Joe Keehan stepped up and calmly placed his spot kick into the bottom right corner.

The Hillians pressed the opposition all afternoon, which paid dividends as they had the majority of the possession in the match. Before the break, Hillians calmed the game down but still had a couple more chances to increase their lead. Both Pat Harding and Joe Keehan had the keeper beaten but their speculative shots were off target.

The Hillians maintained their momentum in the second half. A slip from centre back Steve Sutherland left Chris Smith through on goal, however Pat Harding completely fluffed his shot when the ball was squared.

Just minutes later the Hillians were awarded a second penalty thanks to another handball from Jorden Cheadle. Once again Joe Keehan stepped up and sent Williams the wrong way.

In the 72nd minute, Chris Smith, who was busy all afternoon, weaved through the Police defence to lay the ball off to Lee Harding. His cross into the box and was met by Joe Keehan but his shot was blocked, however Chris Smith finished the move he had started by converting the rebound.

Late on during the match, new signing Sam Gargan came on up front to make his debut for the Hillians after joining midweek.

Not even a late Ifeayi Onwachu goal could spoil the afternoon for the Hillians. Both the fans and the manager Ian Chapman will be delighted with their first three points since the Lewes home game in September. Therefore Chapman and his side will hope this is a good omen as their next game on Wednesday is the Lewes return match.

Hillians: Josh James, Toby Pointing, Sam Fisk, Will Miles, Ollie Rowland, Andy Pearson, Will Miles, Callum Saunders, Joe Keehan, Lee Harding (Sam Gargan 75), Chris Smith (Scott Kirkwood 81), Pat Harding

Not used: Darren Budd, Luc Doherty and Dan Perry

MOTM: Will Miles for a solid game at the back throughout the match

Attendance: 306.