Turf team hailed as miracle workers

By David Watters

Folkestone Invicta

Burgess Hill Town's officials have written to Folkestone Invicta to thank their ground staff for ensuring that Tuesday night's FA Trophy clash between the two Ryman South sides at the Fullicks Stadium beat the weather to go ahead.

The visitors emerged as 1-0 victors in the second qualifying round replay at Cheriton Road to set up a meeting with Leatherhead and Invicta's officials revealed on Wednesday that Hillians programme editor Colin Bowman had been in touch to hail the work of groundsman Gary Towse, pictured during the downpours, and his team as well as the hospitality they'd received.

Bowman, whose club host Invicta at their Green Elephants Stadium in January in the league, wrote: "Just a quick word of thanks for your hospitality and welcome our fans, management, officers and players received at your ground. In addition your head groundsman Gary and his team worked miracles to get the game underway after the monsoon rains. Please pass on our thanks."

"In the conditions we were treated a good old fashion cup tie where either team could have prevailed and it is clear that Invicta are on the march and are going to be a real handful for any team in the Ryman League. Once again many thanks for hosting the FA Trophy."

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