Eight-goal thriller sums up Haywards Heath Town’s battle for consistency

Haywards Heath Town are still searching for consistency – and an eight-goal draw with Little Common was the latest result of their tendency to blow hot and cold.
Patrick McGahren
By Patrick McGahren
Published 6th Dec 2023, 13:00 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2023, 15:39 BST
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It was a 4-4 draw with Little Common last Saturday. Despite Heath leading 2-0 at the half it took an 88th-minute Byron Napper penalty to ensure the points were shared at fog-hit Hanbury Stadium.

Lewis Finney scored a first half double while it was a day of some celebration for Napper, 31, who recently made his 200th appearance in blue and white, and was presented with a shield before the game to mark the milestone.

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He joined Heath in 2018, being named club captain in 2021 and has netted five times this season from midfield.

Byron Napper is presented with a gift to mark 200 appearances for Haywards Heath Town | Picture: Ray TurnerByron Napper is presented with a gift to mark 200 appearances for Haywards Heath Town | Picture: Ray Turner
Byron Napper is presented with a gift to mark 200 appearances for Haywards Heath Town | Picture: Ray Turner

Napper said on X: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have been able to play so many games for such a great club over the last six seasons. We’ve had highs and lows and plenty in between. Thank you to everyone involved,"

Heath are ninth in the SCFL premier under new manager Naim Rouane. The former Heath Captain has seen his team gain five points from 12 and progress in two cups.

Rouane has lost assistant manager Matt Bubb from his coaching staff, with senior player/part-time coach Tom Gilbert potentially ready to step up.

Meanwhile former Heath player Liam Benson has returned from Hassocks after a year away.

Heath visit Horsham YMCA on Saturday.

Related topics:Haywards Heath Town