The first Semi-Final of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 between Haywards Heath Town and Burgess Hill Town. 

Haywards Heath Town vs. Burgess Hill Town
Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final 
Date: Wednesday 27 February 2019
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX   

Bostik Football League Premier Division side Burgess Hill Town are struggling for consistency in the league this season but it has been a different story in the County Cup and they will be hoping their journey in the competition continues, but first they must overcome one more hurdle to reach the final as they face neighbours Haywards Heath Town.

Simon Wormull, the ex-Spurs, Brentford and Lewes player, took over from Ian Chapman as caretaker manager in October and was then offered the job on a permanent basis in the middle of November, and he is thoroughly enjoying the opportunity: “I was offered the job full-time which was great for me and I’m enjoying it.

“League-wise we have struggled a bit this year, we didn’t have a very good start and then you are really playing catch up unfortunately. 

“For me we have shown that we are a very good side but we have probably shown that against the better teams in the league than we have with the teams around us.”

Wormull, will not be taking Haywards Heath Town, who sit just four places, but one division behind them for granted and is expecting a very competitive encounter on Wednesday evening: “It’s going to be a tough game, Haywards Heath are doing very well this year, they have got some good players who I know very well, but it’s a one off game and we seem to be decent with our one off games. 

“Even though our league form is struggling, we go into this game with a lot of confidence and will bring our A-game to the table.”

The Hillians boss, who previously managed at Lewes and Crawley Down admits that it is going to be a fight until the end in the league but the semi-final is a welcomed distraction for this side: “This is a great opportunity for us to just forget about the league for an evening and give our fans a great night out.”

It’s been quite a funny journey so far for Wormull’s team with the third round and quarter-final being abandoned due to floodlight issues.

Firstly they travelled away to Pagham and were trialling 2-0 before the disruption which forced the fixture to be rescheduled and three weeks later returned and beat them 3-0.  The next round saw them face Eastbourne Borough at home and after the second attempt at the fixture they managed to come through on top after putting one past Borough in extra-time. 

He has faith in his young side and believes it’s a great chance for his players to showcase themselves: “We have a young squad with the average age being around 19 apart from a couple of player’s in their 30’s, which for them could be their final opportunity to go for this cup.

“We have got an amazing fan base and so for them to have the day out at the final would be great and I think the whole town would get behind us,” he continued. 

Entry prices for the Semi-Final are as follows:

£10.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£3.00 Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com