Burgess Hill Town who returned to the Division this season after demotion from the BetVictor Isthmian Premier Division, came from behind to inflict Sittingbourne’s first loss in 6 games and move to just two points behind the Brickies.
Ben Fitchett opened the scoring for Sittingbourne in the opening seconds in controversial fashion, following in from Sid Sollis’ free kick which rattled the woodwork.
The hosts contested the goal as they felt the Sittingbourne scorer was offside, however the goal stood as the officials weren’t moved by the hosts protests.
Sittingbourne looked far the better team in the opening exchanges and probably should have doubled their advantage with Lex Allan coming close. However on 25th minutes the Hillians broke quickly from a corner and Andrew Briggs scored an equaliser.
Burgess Hill gained confidence from this goal and looked the better side for the rest of the half.
The Hillians took the lead 14 minutes into the second half through substitute Mason Doughty who had only been on the pitch for four minutes.
Sittingbourne looked to have a good chance for an equaliser when on 75 minutes Briggs was red carded for a second yellow offence and received his marching orders however despite plenty of Brickies pressure they couldn’t find the back of the net and extend their unbeaten run.
Burgess Hill Town: Josh James, Charlie Bennett, Will Robinson, Tom Cadman, Tolulope Jonah, Scott Kirkwood, O’Shaye Giraud-Hutchinson (Mason Doughty 55 mins), Andrew Briggs, Max Miller, Pat Harding, Aaron Smith-Joseph,
Subs not used: Dan Beck, Xharlie Pitcher, Michael Wilson, Josh Short.
Sittingbourne: Jordan Perrin, Ben Fitchett, Chris Webber, Adam Woolcott (Liam Middleton 73 mins), Lex Allan, Cory Walters-Wright, Enoch Adjei (Harry Taylor 81 mins), Tom Fagg, Sid Sollis, Chris Barnard, Kane Phillip.
Subs Not used: Jack Smith, Harrison Pont, Josh Oliver.
Referee: Graeme Ions
Assistants: Bo Wang, Liam Vitoria
Attendance: 304