League Match | Away – Against Burgess Hill Town Juniors Black

Sideline Viewpoint

---

Mr. Gru

From Sideline

Coming off an excellent second half display against Three Bridges and an unlucky loss to Hangleton, I arrived at Burgess Hill hopeful that we could get a result.

There was a strange atmosphere before the kick off as it appeared Burgess Hill only had nine players and for whatever reason the game kicked off 30 minutes late.

Just before kick off, the rest of the Burgess Hill team arrived fresh from beating Hollingbury Hawks 9-0 in the Sussex Sunday Youth League. The average height of their team increased considerably and it became more obvious why they hadn’t dropped a point all season.

To say the boys made us proud is an understatement. The back five of Caiden, James, Will, Toby and Miran – in no particular order – were resolute to say the least. James and later Jack were brilliant against a big, strong striker who wasn’t averse to a push in the back.

Jack and Jason were excellent against some tough tackling, again pushes in the back and shoulder barges that didn’t involve attempts to gain or retain the ball.

Anthony provided the goal with an excellent run, beating three defenders and crossing the ball from the left, beat the keeper at the far post. A great performance and we were maybe unlucky not to win, although the delivery for the corner from which they equalised was excellent.

This game unfortunately will also be remembered for the threatening and abusive behaviour of one of Burgess Hill’s players in particular. The pinnacle of his disgusting behaviour was saying to Jason, ‘Get up Batty Boy !’ after yet another foul.

For Burgess Hill to have a “Respect Board” as you enter their ground suggests to me that there has been trouble of this kind before. Maybe they should read their own board and show they are sincere by doing something about this disgusting behaviour !!

Final score 1-1.