Match Preview: Burgess Hill Town - Velocity Trophy

Corinthian-Casuals vs Burgess Hill Town
Velocity Trophy Knockout Stage
Tuesday 4th February 2020 - 7.45pm
King George's Arena, Tolworth KT6 7NA

Tuesday night sees the return of Burgess Hill Town to King George’s Arena for this first Velocity Trophy cup tie for the Casuals this season.
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Changes to the format has meant all Isthmian Premier sides were given a ‘bye’ to this knockout stage. Opponents Burgess Hill had to negotiate their way through a Champions League style group phase to reach this point.

The Hillians topped their table with maximum points with wins over Haywards Heath Town, East Grinstead Town, Three Bridges, Hastings United and finally Chichester City.

It’s an impressive showing from Jay Lovett’s side in what has been a difficult season back at Step Four following their relegation from the Premier division last term. Burgess Hill currently sit in 16th place (out of 20) with 24 points from 22 games. Max Miller sits as the top scorer for the Hillians but closely followed by two ex-Casuals. Warren Mfula left King George’s in the Summer to ply his trade at the Green Elephants Stadium, and despite making an immediate impact, ventured onto pastures new shortly after.
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Less known as a Casual is Aaron Smith-Joseph (pic left), who’s notched six goals this season. The young forward made one solitary substitute appearance for Corinth under Matt Howard back in 2015 – a 2-1 loss to East Grinstead Town. Smith-Joseph was with Woking and likely brought in by Howard as with several other players at the time (such as current defender Andy Mills and Charlie Carter – now a pro at Stevenage).

Despite a 2-1 loss to Whitstable Town at the weekend, Burgess Hill will come here looking to continue their unbeaten run in this competition. For Casuals Manager James Bracken, it’s another chance to add some silverware to the trophy cabinet whilst also taking a breather from league pressures, which resume with a trip to Margate on Saturday. He’ll look to replicate the 3-0 win over Burgess Hill at home last season (main picture), to ensure progress to the last eight.

If the scores are level on the night, the tie will be decided with a penalty shoot-out.

Prices are £10 adults, £6 seniors, £4 students and Under-18s come free with an accompanying adult.

Safe journey to everyone who makes the trip to King George’s, wherever you may be. ​

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