Burgess Hill Town
Either side of the millennium, Burgess Hill Town were the team to beat in the Sussex League. The Hillians claimed five league titles in seven years, twice finishing runners up in that period. Eventually they got out of county level for a campaign in the Southern League, then moved over into the Isthmian. Ten years ago, they stormed to the Division One South title with over a century of points and goals. However, they struggled in the years leading up to Covid and were relegated to step four of non-league. It took them four more full campaigns to return to the Premier, winning last season’s Isthmian Division One South East playoff final.

2024/2025 Season
Isthmian South East: 3rd
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 2nd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 3rd Round
League Cup: 4th Round
Top League Scorer: Brannon O’Neill (14 goals)
The Hillians were left to let the top two fight it out for the Isthmian Division One South East title. Instead they were in their own battle for third with Margate last season. The Sussex club secured their playoff berth by early April picking up an impressive 90 points. Burgess Hill Town put together a 15-game unbeaten run at one stage and spent most of the campaign in the playoffs. In the playoff semi-final they beat Margate 2-0. Then upset runners up Sittingbourne who were unbeaten at home, winning on penalties.
Manager – Gary Mansell and Jay Lovett
Joint manager Gary Mansell was also given the role of Director of Football back in April. He already has experience in that role having previously worked for the Russell Martin Foundation. Mansell will continue his first team duties and be hoping to improve the pathway from youth team to first team.
Jay Lovett impressed as a player at Crawley Town in the late nineties earning a move to Brentford. The former midfielder later returned to non-league football making most of his appearances with Lewes and Eastbourne Borough. As a manager, Lovett started out at South Park and had a three-year spell with Burgess Hill Town. After a short stint at Haywards Heath Town, then a coaching role with Eastbourne Borough, he returned to the Hillians as joint manager last year.
Summer Transfers
The momentum of winning promotion means the Hillians have kept many of their squad. Some of those staying include Player of the Year Kieran Rowe, last season’s top appearance maker Hamish Morrison, longest serving player Reggie Ward and club captain Brannon O’Neill.
Returning to the club from Salisbury, Jaden Perez previously had a loan spell at Burgess Hill Town in 2021. Mansell had to make a move for a replacement goalkeeper this summer, he has signed Roco Rees from Sittingbourne. Another returnee is Josh Spinks, who made 106 appearances in his first spell with the club and joins from Lewes. Midfielder, Jabari Christmas had limited game time with Chatham Town so he will be hoping to impress in Sussex.
Centre back Nathan Cooper leaves the Hillians making a move to Whitehawk. Dan Perry also departs having scored 74 goals in 178 appearances for the club. Part of last season’s title winning squad, Alex Malins has decided to move on. Supporters Player of the Year, Slav Huk was the penalty shoot-out hero in the playoff final. The goalkeeper has decided to move on from the Hillians to join Welling United. Another playoff hero Stefan Vukoje has departed and will be at Cheshunt.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 7 / Burgess Hill Town wins: 1 / Draws: 0
Previous Six Meetings
Burgess Hill Town 0 – 1 Dartford (14/10/2017 – F.A Cup)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 2 Dartford (10/01/2015 – F.A Trophy)
Dartford 3 – 1 Burgess Hill Town (25/10/2014 – F.A Cup)
Dartford 7 – 2 Burgess Hill Town (13/01/2007 – Isthmian Division One South)
Burgess Hill Town 1 – 6 Dartford (19/08/2006 – Isthmian Division One South)
Dartford 0 – 3 Burgess Hill Town (28/10/2003 – Southern League Cup)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Burgess Hill Town – Saturday 13th September 2025
Burgess Hill Town v Dartford – Saturday 24th January 2026
Statistics
- Dartford have won all four league matches against Burgess Hill Town
- The Darts are on a five game winning streak versus the Hillians
- Dartford have a 100% away record against the Sussex side with four victories
Match Highlights – 2006/2007
Highlights courtesy of the late sonytino