April 3rd ASHMOUNT LEIGH 1 BURGESS HILL 3 SECWFL Div 1 [W]
The Hillians put on a determined display to beat Ashmount Leigh 3-1 and so go above them and climb to 2nd place. This was a particularly noteworthy result as with many injuries including Capt Jemma Lindfield, and unavoidable absences, only 11 players were available.
The game started well and with less than 10 minutes played the Hillians went ahead, a cross from the left by Mica Saunders was headed into her own net by an Ashmount player .
This gave the Hillians confidence and Saunders and Leone Sargent had chances to increase the lead whilst keeper Iris Baitup , playing her first full game of the season, did well in claiming the ball following an Ashmount corner.
Shortly after Fran Cook had seen her shot go wide Nancy Fosters pass enabled top goal scorer Emma Whitter to make the score 0-2 from a narrow angle .
The Hillians continued to threaten with some excellent passing moves whilst Baitup anticipated well, coming far out to claim the ball just before halftime
The 2nd half started encouragingly with Imogen Flints pass giving Whitter a scoring opportunity and Lotti Pollendine also threatening but midway through the half Ashmount reduced the deficit following a corner.
This gave Ashmount confidence and it needed Baitup to make an outstanding save to divert a well struck freekick for a corner to keep Hillians ahead .
However the Hillians were determined to take 3 pts home with them and Pollendine scored following a Whitter pass to restore the 2 goal advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining
The back four of Mica Saunders, Abi Burrows, Zita Wheatcroft and Leonie Sargent performed well in their unusual positions , with Capt Sadie Ashby marshalling the midfield well and being voted Hillians “Player of the match” by Ashmount
All the teenage members of the team , Imogen Flint, Nancy Foster and youngest member Leone Sargent played a full part in this victory with Leone and Sadie jointly being Manager Layla Youngs “Player of the match”.
All eleven players battled hard ,“dug deep” and put in a performance they can be very proud of.
Mar 13th BURGESS HILL 2 STEYNING 1 SECWFL Div 1 [W] League game
Having held League Leaders Leatherhead to a 1-1 in their last home game the Hillians were determined to show their supporters that they could beat high flying Steyning who had only lost one League game all season, and that against Leatherhead.
The Hillians made the best possible start, going ahead in less than a minute when leading goalscorer Emma Whitter received the ball from Fran Cook following a defensive error and calmly made no mistake in a “one v one” with the Steyning keeper to score her 24th goal of the season
It was clear that both teams were determined to claim all 3pts and in less than 10 minutes a long Steyning free kick brought out the best in the Hillians defence. Almost immediately the Hillians went further ahead , a well judged cross by Cook enabling Lucy Kisielewska to head the ball into the corner of the net to make the score 2-0
The game was played at a fast pace and midway through the half Whitter thought she had scored but the “goal” was ruled offside.
Captain Jemma Lindfield went close and long balls from defender Lucy Kisielewska gave Hillians forwards good service . Steyning were making the Hillians work hard to maintain their lead but resolute defending and determined midfield and forward play ensured the Hillians remained ahead at halftime in what was a game played in a cup tie atmosphere
The 2nd half continued in the same vein , Abbie Burrows high lob being saved and then the Steyning keeper making a fine save to deny the Hillians .
With less than 15 minutes of the half played Steyning reduced the deficit and the games intensity increased still further, the Hillians determined to stay ahead and Steyning equally determined not to lose .
The Hillians brought on new legs in the form of Imogen Flint for just her 2nd game to replace hard working Emma Whitter and with the whole team responding well to Captain Lindfield’s leadership both vocally and by example the final whistle saw the Hillians deservedly 2-1 winners in a game where every player gave their all for their team . A delighted Hillians Manager Layla Young made Abbie Burrows her “Player of the Match”
Next Sunday 20th March the Hillians are at home to Littlehampton in their final home match of the season
Feb 13th BURGESS HILL 1 LEATHERHEAD 1 SECWFL Div 1[W] League game
In their last 4 League games the Hillians had won 3 and drawn 1, but knew they would have to work hard to maintain this unbeaten run against the league leaders who had won all their 10 league games since the start of October.
Leatherhead soon got into a attacking mode and keeper Ella Bates had to be in top form , making some good saves and anticipating well in coming out to claim the ball before the advancing Leatherhead forwards .
Fran Cook’s corners gave Leatherhead defence concern whilst their breakaway attacks were well dealt with by Hillians back four of Daisy Tennant, Ellie Card, Hayley Nash and Lucia Halliwell
Before half time Capt Jemma Lindfield’s speculative lob went wide whilst Leatherhead were unlucky not to take the lead when their lob bounced off the crossbar. With a goalless first half against the leaders the Hillians started the 2nd half in confident mood and were rewarded almost immediately when Lotti Pollendine received an excellent cross from Nancy Foster and calmly volleyed the ball home to put the Hillians ahead ,
The Hillians are fortunate in having 2 excellent young keepers and Iris Baitup came on for the 2nd half for her 1st game of the season. With an hour gone Leatherhead drew level, a shot being to high for Baitup to reach.
At times the Hillians goal lead a charmed life despite Baitup making some good saves. With the determined work of midfielders Abbie Burrows, Sadie Ashby and Capt Lindfield assisting the back four the final whistle went with the scoreline level .
A jubilant Hillians left the field with Capt Lindfield echoing Manager Layla Young’s praise for their determination and performance ringing in their ears, knowing that they can challenge any team in the league ,
Ellie Card was chosen as Hillians “Player of the match “ by both Young and Leatherhead
Jan 16th BURGESS HILL 1 EASTBOURNE UTD 2 SCFA Trophy
Playing their 1st game since 21st Nov the Hillians were up against a team that had played twice since that date including playing the previous week and so were arguably more match fit. In their earlier League encounter Hillians had been well beaten by Eastbourne and were determined not to repeat that experience .
The game started badly for the Hillians when with just 4 minutes gone Eastbourne went ahead , a high lob finding the net despite keeper Ella Bates best efforts .
In typical style Hillians responded positively , Capt Sadie Ashby nearly finding forward Whitter with a good through ball. Within 4 minutes of going behind debutant Kylie Davies saw her goal bound free kick from just outside the area diverted into the goal by an Eastbourne defender , 1-1 .
This gave the Hillians confidence and as the game progressed they began to match Eastbourne , and then looked to be on top, Fran Cook hitting the bar and Daisy Tennant’s speed and determination giving Eastbourne problems.
With virtually the last touch of the half Eastbourne scored their 2nd ,taking advantage of some slack marking to score from within the penalty area.
The 2nd half commenced with latest signing 16 year old Nancy Foster making her debut for the Hillians , The game progressed with both keepers being in action as the Hillians worked hard to level the scoreline whilst Eastbourne strove to add a 3rd to make the game safe.
Tennant up front was giving Eastbourne problems in only her 2nd game , and they made her Hillians “Player of the Match” as did. Hillians Manager Layla Young
The final whistle was heard with the scoreline 2-1 to Eastbourne, but the Hillians can take many positives from the game in which every player gave their all and confidence must be high that with the same attitude and desire they can return to winning ways in their league game at Littlehampton next Sunday.
Nov 21st BURGESS HILL 10 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 0 SCFA Trophy
A memorable game for 2 16 year old players from BHTJuniors making their debut for the team, Daisy Tennant and Leonie Sargent, and both scoring !! and also for experienced Emma Whitter who recorded her “double hattrick”
With several 1st team regulars unavailable the squad included a further 2 players making their debut for the team , just signed experienced Zita Wheatcroft and Jodie Cork who was in the clubs development squad last season. Also making her 1st start for the season was the experienced Mica Saunders.
Within minutes the Hillians showed they meant business with top goalscorer Emma Whitter’s shot hitting the bar and Capt Jemma Lindfield shot forcing a corner.
Just over 10 minutes had elapsed with Whitter scoring twice , first being sent on a long run down the right by a Sadie Ashby pass , finishing with a well directed shot , and then Fran Cooks pass enabling her to score from close range . 2-0.
Midway through the half Eastbourne briefly came more into the game , forcing Hillians keeper Ella Bates to save well from a corner , followed by a brave action to claim the ball near a Boros forwards feet to avert the danger.
With the team not playing at the top of their game the Hillians back four of Zita Wheatcroft , Abbie Burrows, Ellie Card and Ruby Lester where nevertheless in control . Whitter scored her 3rd thanks to an excellent pass from Lindfield and then being the provider for Saunders to score for the 2nd week running . 4-0
Before the 1st half was completed Whitter scored twice more from close range thanks to passes from Fran Cook and Ashby, 6-0
At the start of the 2nd half debutant Leonie Sargent replaced Saunders and in less than 10 minutes scored, Cook being the provider. Debutant Daisy Tennant then came on for Carla Fichera and but for an occasional Boro attack Hillians remained in control with Cook’s crosses giving Boro problems and Cook adding a goal following a well constructed move initiated by defender Ellie Card 8-0 .
Jodie Cork then came on for Lindfield who had played a typical Captains part despite carrying an injury. Except for one Boro move when they went close to scoring the Hillians concentrated in honing their passing skills with debutant Zita Wheatcroft fitting in well. Before the final whistle Whitter recorded her 6th goal thanks to Sargent’s pass and finally , with the last kick of the game debutants Tennant and Sargent combined to enable Tennant to score and round off a great day . 10-0. Keeper Ella Bates was Hillians “Player of the match”
Eastbourne Borough , in their 1st season of Womens Football , showed that with time they could do well once they have gained more experience .
Nov 14th BURGESS HILL 2 WHYTELEAFE 0 SECWFL Div1[W] League game
The first half started brightly with Hillians top goalscorer Emma Whitter having a goalscoring opportunity in the first minute. Initially Hillians were the better side with Whyteleafe’s keeper the busier of the two whilst Lucy Kisielewska and Whitter had chances to put Hillians ahead . As the half progressed Whyteleafe got back into the game with their style of play frustrating the Hillians at times who, with several regular players unavailable , needed Abbie Burrows , Lotti Pollendine and Fran Cook to play out of their normal position.
In the closing minutes of the half Hillians keeper Ella Bates came out bravely to protect her goal, colliding with the advancing Whyteleafe forward but keeping the scoreline 0-0 , and also saving well from the resulting free kick.
Fran Cook had a chance to put the Hillians ahead within minutes of the restart but it was no surprise that Whyteleafe threatened at times, although the partnership of Sadie Ashby and Capt Jemma Lindfield controlled the midfield well to keep Hillians in the game .
With 30 minute remaining Carla Fichera , doing well on her league debut was replaced by the experienced Mica Saunders, now in her 14th season with the club .
The game remained goal less with both sides striving for a winning goal with Hillians Capt Jemma Lindfield leading by her example by battling to the end . Eventually, with less than 5 minutes before the 90 mins were up , Cook sent across a well flighted ball which Saunders calmly slotted home from close range to the delight of the home supporters
More was to come as in the 2 minutes of injury time Ashby [Manager Youngs “Player of the match”] pass enabled Hillians Whitter to lob the keeper from distance and secure the 3 pts and keep her club top of the table.
This wasn't the best that Hillians can play but the spirit. determination and hard work gave them a much deserved victory.
Nov 7th LANCING 1 BURGESS HILLTOWN 3 SECWFL Div1[W] League game
The Hillians were determined to “do the double” over Lancing to regain the leaders position after their recent defeat It was unfortunate that unusual player unavailability restricted the squad to just the 11 starters, with the welcome return after a season away of Lucy Kisielewska , but this seemed to spur the players on to achieve their aim. .
The first 20 mins of the game saw the Hillians on top but failing to score, although a Sadie Ashby shot in the 15th minute was well saved by Lancings busy keeper
Eventually , in the 25 minute a long ball from centre half Kisielewska found Ashby who calmly scored from close range.
Just 6 minutes later another similar ball from Kisielewska was once again was seized upon by Ashby who made no mistake to put the ball over the keeper to put the Hillians 2-0 ahead
With the Hillians now well on top chances went missing but eventually with just minutes of the half remaining Ruby Lester took a leaf out of Kisielewska’s book and gave Ashby , playing unusually as a centre forward, the opportunity to record her hattrick
In the 2nd half Lancing came more into the game in which they showed they had improved over recent weeks, although the Hillians were generally in control , showing the workrate and commitment expected of them. It was unfortunate that with just minutes remaining a ball picked up by Hillians Keeper was, in, the opinion of many, harshly ruled to be a back pass , and from the resulting action Lancing scored a consolation goal.
Manager Layla Young selected as her “Managers POM” . Lucy Kisielewska on her return to the Club whilst Lancing made hattrick scorer Sadie Ashby as Hillians “Player of the Match “
Oct 17th BURGESS HILL 5 ASHMOUNT LEIGH 2 SECWFL Div 1[W] League game
The Hillians knew that recent League leaders Ashmount Leigh had only lost one league game this season, and also that a Hillian win would make them the leaders !
Hillians started well, going ahead in just 3 minutes when a well judged pass from Abbie Burrows enabled Hillians top goalscorer Emma Whitter to reach the ball ahead of the advancing keeper and slot the ball home .Hillians joy was short lived however as within a couple of minutes a long ball beat their defence and enabled Ashmount to draw level .
As is so often the case the Hillians restored their lead within 5 minutes Whitter scored her 2nd , latching onto a long ball from keeper Ella Bates to give Bates a rare “assist” !!
This reverse stung Ashmount into an attacking mode which in 15 minutes resulted in a goal to make the score 2-2
Once again the Hillians responded in the best possible way and within a couple of minutes Lotti Pollendine headed home from a Fran Cook corner to regain the lead and enable her team to be 3-2 ahead at halftime .
The 2nd half saw Bates in action but the Hillians looked confident whilst working hard to extend their lead and Pollendines determination in a goalmouth struggle forced the ball into the net to record her 2nd goal 4-2
Hillians determination and work rate ensured they were on top and Hillians 5th goal came from Fran Cook after receiving a well judged long ball from Gemma Hebditch.
To their credit Ashmount never gave up but the Hillians maintained their 100% home record achieved by good team work and a positive approach under the guidance of Manager Layla Young who selected Sadie Ashby as her “Managers POM” . Ashmount named Emma Whitter as our “Player of the Match”
Oct 10th BURGESS HILL 9 LANCING 1 SECWFL Div 1[W] League game
In typical style the Hillians bounced back from their disappointing away defeat the previous week to record their best league win since Sept last season. They beat by one goal their previous home league game this season to retain their 100% league home record .
An indication of what was to come came in the very first minute with the Lancing keeper in action and within 10 minutes the Hillians were ahead , Capt Jemma Lindfield scoring from close range following a Hayley Nash free kick.
In the 18th minute Lindfield scored again following a well constructed move with Lotti Pollendine setting up Emma Whitter to provide the final pass. 2-0
There followed a period of end to end football with a Hillians Whitters “goal” deemed to be offside but finally with 10 minutes of the half remaining Whitter scored the 1st of her 5 goals , latching onto a good through ball from Abbie Burrows . 3-0 .
Whitter added 2 more goals before half time as the Hillians took control , both following lenghty balls from Nash , 5-0 and finally in the last minute of the half Pollendine headed home from a Fran Cook corner to make the halftime score 6-0.
The 2nd half started with Whitter adding her 4th goal , within a couple of minutes, once again from a Burrows pass and 10 minutes later a Lindfield pass enabled her to record her 5th goal !! 8-0 .
Lancing had clearly changed their game plan after this and Hillians keeper Ella Bates came out well to claim the ball and avert the danger .
Hillians 9th goal came from speedy defender Ruby Lester with less at 10 mins remaining and Lancing managed a consolation goal before the final whistle in a game where the Hillians showed plenty of passing skills and determination and could have scored even more had they brought their best shooting boots with them such was their dominance !!.
Sept 5th BURGESS HILL 6 TONBRIDGE 2 SECWFL Div 1[W] League game
What a great way to start the season !! 1 - 0 down after around 15 mins , draw level through a Lotti header to go to half time level . Then as the 2nd half started going behind within a couple of minutes . This is where the whole team showed why they win games with great determination and skill they upped their game and levelled the scoreline within a minute through Lotti only for Emma to put us ahead 2 minutes later and within 10 mins we are 4- 2 ahead !! Before the final whistle Lotti completed her hat trick and Jemma scored her 2nd. My congratulations to Layla, Capt Jemma and the whole team for a stunning 2nd half performance which every player should be proud of , they gave 110% and reaped the reward .
Example Text