Hillians underdogs fortheir tough FA Cup trip

Monday’s FA Cup 2nd qualifying round draw dealt Burgess Hill a tough hand.

Hillians will visit Bromley on Saturday week as clear underdogs. The Kent club are riding high in Conference South and have already beaten Whitehawk 4-0 at home this season.

The Hillians boss Ian Chapman said: “I’m a bit disappointed because it’s a very difficult tie. It would have been good to get a home draw against a team nearer our own level.

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“But they draw a crowd of around 5 or 600 and so it should be a good atmosphere. We have nothing to lose and will go out to enjoy the day.

“It will be important to keep it tight for the first 20 or 25 minutes and then you never know. The cup is a great leveller.”

Chapman is delighted to have brought the experienced Joe Keehan to the club. He joins from Whitehawk after previous service with Crawley, Rushden Diamonds and Lewes.

Keehan can play in midfield or at full back, as well as centre half where he covered for the injured Stuart Tuck in Saturday’s record cup win (report inside).

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Keehan’s arrival comes as Tom Graves and Richard Greenfield were released by mutual consent after failing to gain regular starting places.

Chapman said: “I’m aware we’re a little top heavy in certain positions and there’ll be people knocking on my door because they’re not getting a regular game. I understand and accept that. It’s bound to mean there’ll be some comings and goings, particularly if I can find the quality wide player I think we need. Unfortunately, they are few and far between and are always in demand.”

Saturday’s first qualifying round win earned Hillians a cheque for £3,000 but near-neighbours Hassocks missed out as they lost 2-1 at home to Hill’s league rivals Chipstead.

Chapman is well aware what a good cup run means financially for clubs such as Burgess Hill.

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Even so, he was happy to be positive with his team selection on Saturday and said afterwards: “With a few old players in the team I felt it was important to add a few fresh young legs. Greg Luer is developing into an excellent and there’ll be more starts for Curtis Gayler, who has been patient up until now and deserved his chance.”