UPDATED: Burgess Hill to face Sutton United in next round of FA Cup

Burgess Hill Town’s dream of reaching the 1st round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s 132 year existence moved a step closer after a fine 4-0 victory over Fleet Town on Saturday (by Dave Bradbury).

The Hillians are now two wins away from that as the victory which saw them move into the 3rd Qualifying Round for only the 6th time ever as they picked up the £4500 prize money.

Hillians boss, Ian Chapman, was able to field the same starting XI that had defeated Faversham Town in midweek with skipper Darren Budd unavailable.

The tie was effectively won by half time as the Southern League hosts found themselves three down after just 32 minutes as the Hillians dominated this match for large periods.

Hill pressed from the off and Greg Luer had already shot over by the time he gave the visitors the lead after just two minutes. The dangerous forward cut inside and smashed a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box leaving Ryan Pryce no chance.

The hosts went close with Jack French having an effort go narrowly wide from the edge of the box straight from the kick off and Jack White also having a header go over from inside the box in between an effort from Hillians Scott Kirkwood who shot over.

Fleet’s Rob Carr put a dangerous cross into the box but the ball evaded everyone and from then on the Hillians took control for the rest of the half.

Graham Martin went on a run from deep in the visitors half but saw his low shot go straight to the keeper from just outside the box, but three minutes later the Hillians deservedly doubled their lead on 29 minutes.

A great passing move resulted in Luer finding O’Toole with a neat pass and he rounded keeper Pryce and slotted the ball home into the empty net.

Three minutes on and it was 3-0 as Luer added his second of the afternoon and he curled an excellent shot into the corner from 25 yards out on the left.

Hillians continued to dominate possession for the rest of the half and had a few half chances as they played some good, fast flowing football going up the slope of the pitch. Hill keeper Josh James made a good save before half time being called into action to save a low drive from White but the strong Hill defence was rarely troubled.

The second half started with again the Hillians creating chances, and Luer nearly completed his hat-trick three minutes in, but his flick from O’Toole’s ball went straight to Pryce.

Hillians had three half chances in the space of 10 minutes with Kirkwood seeing his curling effort comfortably saved, defender Toby Pointing having a header from a corner easily gathered by Pryce and then Kirkwood’s first time shot from Pat Harding’s cross go inches wide.

Striker Dann Perry came on for the visitors replacing Pat Harding and he nearly scored with his first touch but his effort from O’Toole’s flick on went just wide.

Another sub, Will Miles, sent a long ball over to Luer who showed a great touch and went on to lob the keeper only to see his effort go over.

Hillians did deservedly get their fourth goal when Lee Harding, on for the injured O’Toole, did excellently to chase down a long ball from Sam Fisk on the left and his inch perfect cross was met by the incoming Kirkwood who headed home into the far corner.

It could have been five but Perry saw the keeper save his effort when through one-on-one. During injury time, James in the Hillians goal, who had been a spectator for much of the 2ndhalf, saved an effort from White and saw a free kick from the edge of the box go over.

The large travelling support who easily made over half the 154 attendance in Hampshire, applauded the Hillians off the pitch on a job well done by Ian Chapman and his men. The players, officials and supporters now look forward to Monday’s draw to see who the Hillians will face as excitement builds around the Club.

Hillians: Josh James, Neil Watts, Sam Fisk, Andy Pearson, Toby Pointing, Graham Martin (Will Miles 57), Scott Kirkwood, Joe Keehan, Rob O’Toole (Lee Harding 73), Greg Luer, Pat Harding (Dann Perry 67).

Not used: Paul Armstrong, Stuart Tuck, Matt Morrish.