Burgess Hill Town vs Sevenoaks Town

The first 44 minutes were a tight, competitive affair between two Isthmian League sides at Leylands Park. Sevenoaks, managed by Marcel (as referenced in Burgess Hill's post-match social media), disrupted the hosts' rhythm for much of the opening period before Oliva struck in first-half stoppage time to give the Hillians a 1-0 lead at the break.

Burgess Hill emerged sharper after the interval. Whelpdale, a creative midfielder, produced a moment of quality in the 55th minute — described by the club's own highlights as a "superb strike" — to double the lead. The goal appeared to put the home side in full control.

Sevenoaks responded within four minutes, pulling one back in the 59th minute to set up a tense final half-hour. The scorer of the Sevenoaks goal was not published in the official provider data or club match report at the time of writing. Burgess Hill, though, managed the closing stages effectively to secure the win.

Whelpdale's 55th-minute strike. At 1-0, the game was finely balanced after a goalless first 44 minutes. Whelpdale's emphatic finish — a goal that the club's own coverage highlighted as decisive — gave Burgess Hill a two-goal cushion that proved essential when Sevenoaks responded four minutes later. Without that goal, the momentum shift after Sevenoaks' 59th-minute reply could have been decisive.

Chris Whelpdale (Burgess Hill Town) — Scored what proved to be the winning goal with a superb strike in the 55th minute. The midfielder's quality on the ball was the difference-maker on the night. Player of the Match.

Luca Oliva (Burgess Hill Town) — Opened the scoring with a well-timed goal in first-half stoppage time, giving the Hillians the lead at the ideal moment just before the break.

Burgess Hill Town defence — After Sevenoaks pulled one back in the 59th minute, the home backline held firm for the final 31 minutes to preserve the lead and maintain the club's perfect pre-season record.

Burgess Hill's fourth consecutive pre-season win speaks to a well-organised summer campaign under manager Dave Bradbury. The 2-1 scoreline — matching the pattern of tight pre-season encounters at this level — reflects a game where both sides had spells. The Hillians' ability to score twice before the hour mark and then see out the game suggests improved fitness levels as the Isthmian League Premier Division season approaches. The match was the 12th meeting between these sides since 2019, with Sevenoaks still leading the head-to-head 5-4 (with two draws), but Burgess Hill claimed the bragging rights on this occasion.

Burgess Hill Town extended their pre-season winning streak to four matches, building momentum ahead of the 2026/27 Isthmian League Premier Division campaign. This was their final home friendly before heading on the road. The Hillians next face Broadbridge Heath away on 21 July, followed by Dover Athletic (25 July) and AFC Croydon Athletic (1 August). Their league season kicks off at Brentwood Town on 8 August 2026. Sevenoaks Town, also preparing for the Isthmian League season, continue their pre-season programme with a run of fixtures before the competitive action begins.

A professional pre-season performance from Burgess Hill Town. Oliva's first-half stoppage-time goal and Whelpdale's excellent second-half strike gave them a cushion that proved enough when Sevenoaks responded. Four wins from four is an encouraging return for Bradbury's side, who look well set for the Isthmian League Premier Division campaign ahead.

Attendance: Not published at the time of writing.