Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 26-27: Burgess Hill Town

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. 

Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

So many fantastic highlights. So much late drama with the Hill last season, there was a 6 game spell or so where there was a goal scored in added time to affect the outcome of each one. Just crazy. The highlight being the 3-4 win at St Albans. Our first ever trip to such a non league giant, and to be 3-0 up so quickly, to then be pegged back in 2nd half added time, only to win it with the last kick of the game for Martyn Box’s hat-trick. I’m not sure we will see a game like that for years, if ever! 

And what was the worst moment?

Our worst moment probably wasn’t a result or a performance (although the embarrassing Lewes away defeat or the Hashtag humbling in the Velocity Trophy poor still make me shudder slightly) but it was the season ending injury to Martyn Box at Chatham in December. He was having a breakthrough season at Step 3, having goals and assists for fun down the left flank but unfortunately a horrid ACL injury, which occurred metres in-front of the away fans as well, including his friends and family, was hard to watch live. Thankfully surgery was a success and he’s on the road to recovery towards the end of the year. Good luck stopping him with a point to now prove…. 

Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

George Vorster. He’s moved up the pyramid to NLS Slough now, but the diminutive winger we had on loan from Sutton Utd was a revelation. A real name to keep an eye on for the future.

Moving on to your current squad - which players do you think will make a big impact during the 26/27 campaign?

There’s been quite a few new additions to our squad this season. A brand new CB pairing of Luther Williams and Luca Cocoracchio looks just what we need after a rather leaky defence last season, and a return over a decade in the making for Nicky Wheeler on the wing, is sure to bring goals and assists for strikers like Shamir Fenelon who also joined us this summer.  

Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

There’s a lot of talk around BHTFC and maybe even some with high expectations. Especially with playoffs now down to 7th, and seeing as we finished 8th last season everyone naturally wants to progress. But progress is not always linear and I am here to be the voice of reason. Whilst we are a club on the up, we also can’t get above our station. The 2nd season syndrome has caught many a team out (Hello Cray Valley PM!) and whilst some have eyes for the play offs, my eyes are firmly making sure we aren’t anywhere near the bottom 4. I think we will do well to finish top half, but that shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Survive comfortably and if we get off to another fast start, why not dream. But let’s not get carried away. 

If you could choose a song for your side to run our to, what would it be- and why?

This has been a long debate at BHTFC and no one can agree on a correct answer. Green Green Grass Of Home or Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush are 2 which make sense for obvious reasons. I would personally just play anything by Gary Barlow. At least I’d be happy. What a man, what a voice. 

From all the opposition players you watched last season, which one would you love to see in your side- and why?

I would have honestly said Joel Daly from Whitehawk and we have ended up signing him, which will be a massive boost to the engine room which is, in my absolutely completely not at all biased opinion, the best in the league. But apart from him, Olly Box from Dartford (who’s now earned a move higher up the pyramid) we could have had Box’s on both wings just like when we had a pair of Hardings’ (Pat and Lee) back in the day. It would make me happy anyway. 

What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Dartford. Went for the first time last season, and it was under the lights but boy were they some lights. Loved everything about Dartford’s set up and can’t wait to return for a 3pm Saturday game this time. 

If you travelled away, which ground served the best food?

As a man who went to every away game, it is certainly one I can answer. Dartford, St Albans and Cray Wanderers were the top 3 I think. Unbelievably disappointed still at Wingate & Finchley who had no chips on the day we went. Must do better. 

Please predict your top five:

 Chatham Town 

Eastbourne Borough 

Aveley 

St Albans City

Welling United 

Now, over to the rest of you! If you are reading this and you’d like to represent your club, please email Ian on [email protected] and he will get back to you as quickly as possible.

By the way, if you’ve sent through your responses from a Step Four club and haven’t seen them yet, never fear! We’re going to focus mainly on our top flight this week and hold some of the North/South Central/South East responses over until next week, as most of our sides at that level don’t start their League programme for another week.