Bowman on the road: Holiday Joe rescues Hillians' gloomy week

The Army with chairman Kevin (on left). Picture by Colin Bowman

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Burgess Hill Town manager Ian Chapman would have driven back across the Queen Elizabeth Bridge a relieved man last Saturday after holiday returnee Joe Keehan snatched a late point at lowly Brentwood FC.

Up until that moment he would have been reflecting on three league losses in seven days!

Owing to rail replacements the Barmy Army were up early to catch an 8am bus from Burgess Hill to Three Bridges. Then Thameslink to Farringdon, tube to Liverpool Street. The occasion then started in earnest with a couple of nice ales in Dirty Dicks. Several of us were studying the form and had an outrageous tip for Pawn Star at 100 to 1 Ascot 4.10. After having some obvious banter with the name we got on for a £1 each way stake. I was then stunned later on as it made the frame and we were all £20 richer. From there we headed east to Brentwood taking in a Hammers pub The Brewery Tap just off the main street. Further beers and banter. The Arena ground is then quite a hike out of town but no problems after jumping in a cab arriving 10 mins before KO.

I have mentioned the Barmy Army a few times in this column. A group of around 8 die hard Hill supporters who follow theit team all over the South East. I thought it might be nice to give them a individual mention. There is Sponge aka Ian Gander, 57 ish, and his son Dan, 30, who have been following since the early 90s.