Burgess Hill lifted the FA Trophy on Saturday after seeing off Winslow United 6-2 in the final. The hosts produced a performance that carried weight from the first whistle, and here's the thing — this wasn't the side that dropped points against Havant Town just seven days earlier. Winslow United arrived with momentum from their 5-0 triumph over Concord Rangers, but the final told a different story altogether.
The match settled into a rhythm that favoured the home side, who seemed to understand their ground better than their visitors. By then, the visitors had already tasted defeat, having lost 1-3 to Swindon Supermarine in their previous outing. Burgess Hill's approach was straightforward enough — press high, stay compact, and take chances when they came.
Six goals and two for the visitors made for an open contest, though the margin told one tale while the game itself offered another. Winslow United had been involved in a 3-3 draw with Milton Keynes Irish, suggesting they could score, but this final demanded more than just attacking flair. The home side carved them open when it mattered most.
Burgess Hill's run into the final had not been without concern — they'd drawn 0-0 with Jersey Bulls and lost 0-1 to Dover in earlier rounds. To be fair, this final showed a side that had found its footing at the right moment. Winslow United's path had looked cleaner statistically, with that 5-0 victory standing out, but finals operate on different rules.
The result puts Burgess Hill among the winners in club history, a distinction earned on a day they never looked like backing down. Winslow United will take the silverware of participation, having opened their account against Binfield back in August. The trophy now sits in Burgess Hill's case, and the final scoreline of 6-2 will take some forgetting.
