It is true to say that Herne Bay were fortunate to gain a point against a tough, well organised, Burgess Hill Town side, drawing 1-1 at Winch's Field. Bay were 2nd best throughout the game but were indebted to Calum McGeehan and Steven Lloyd who were both outstanding in the heart of Bay's defence.

The 'Hillians' put Bay under pressure straight from the start, with Neil Watt's crossing an inch perfect ball to Karly Akehurst only to see his scuffed effort go well wide of the goal. with only nine minutes on the clock it was only a timely interception from Lloyd thwarted Max Miller's attempt on goal.

Herne Bay were reduced to the occasional counter attack. Michael Turner and Rhys Lawson both finding it difficult to get past the tough tackling hillian's defenders. As the half progressed the visitors dominated the mid-field with Darren Budd being the stand out player, leaving Andy Irvine ,and debutant 'Tunji' Agbajae, more and more isolated up front.

In the 24th minute Budd turned attacker and crashed in a stinging shot that Dan Eason somehow palmed over the bar. Bay's best chance of the half came on the half hour. Following a free kick from Josh Sergeant, Lloyd 's header grazed the crossbar.

Burgess Hill then had two good chances to take the lead but Nick Wheeler blazed over from 10 yards and Miller's goal bound header was cleared of the line by McGeehan. Wheeler squander a great opportunity when his goal attempt went straight into Eason's arms, when it looked easier to score.

In the final seconds of the half Akehurst raced through Bay's defence but Eason saved with his legs to keep the game scoreless at half time.
Three minutes into 2nd half 'Hillians' Pat Harding watched his bullet header crash against the crossbar. This seemed to bring Bay to life and they started to push forward more regularly.

On 52 minutes Lawson forced a corner but Gary Sayers cross was headed over by Lloyd. A minute later Bay were indebted to Lloyd when his headed clearance at the other end hit both the post and the crossbar before being cleared. Burgess Hill then made an inspired substitution, bringing on Omar Bugiel in the 60th minute and with his first touch of the ball, his looping header was just out of reach of Eason on the line to put the 'Hillians into a very deserved lead.

Four minutes later Bay restored parity following a Sergeant free kick 40 yards out. Keeper Tom Rand failed to collect the ball allowing McGeehan to rise above the Burgess Hill defender to head in the equaliser.

A minute later Burgess Hill almost snatched back the lead when Ryan Thomson’s shot was tipped over the bar by the ever dependable Eason.
With 20 minutes remaining Bay made changes, bringing on Dan Williams and James Turner for Irvine and Tunji, and a minute later Lawson was replaced by Dean Grant.

Herne Bay pushed forward and both Grant and Michael Turner went close. Turner in particular wriggled his way through a packed defence to fire in a shot which Rand saved well . The visitors piled on the pressure but Bay held firm to see out the game.

Att: 238
Team: Eason, Sayer, Nelder, McGeehan, Lloyd, Wisker, M Turner, Sergeant, Agbajae, Irvine, Lawson
Subs used: Williams (Irvine 67 min) J Turner (Agbajae 67 min) Grant (Lawson 72 min)
Not used: Raggett Eastwood

MOM: Calum McGeehan