Haywards Heath Town welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the HSEnergy Group Stadium on Wednesday evening for what promises to be one of the biggest nights of the season.
The Bluebells host the Seagulls in the Second Round of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup, with a 7:45pm kick-off under the lights at the HSEnergy Group Stadium.
Heath head into the game in good form and with their unbeaten league record still intact following Saturday’s dramatic 1–1 draw away at Horsham YMCA.
It took until the 92nd minute to find the breakthrough, with Harry Shooman getting the crucial touch after Lukas Franzen-Jones had won possession and delivered the ball into the area. The late equaliser ensured Heath came away with a point after an afternoon in which they had created numerous opportunities, including hitting both the post and crossbar.
That followed an extraordinary 7–2 RUR Charity Cup victory at Billingshurst, where Heath recovered from 2–0 down at half-time by scoring seven unanswered goals after the break.
Wednesday, however, represents a very different challenge.
Brighton & Hove Albion enter the competition at this stage and the draw has handed Heath a rare opportunity to welcome one of the county’s biggest clubs to Haywards Heath. The Sussex FA confirmed the tie as part of the Second Round draw earlier this month.
The Seagulls have enjoyed strong runs in the competition in recent seasons. In the 2024/25 Sussex Senior Cup, Brighton reached the semi-finals after victories over AFC Varndeanians, Burgess Hill Town on penalties and Whitehawk, before eventually losing 1–0 to Horsham.
For Heath, the occasion provides an opportunity to test themselves against full-time professional opposition and to do so in front of what is expected to be a big crowd at the HSEnergy Group Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Kev Green made clear that while he wants his players to enjoy the occasion, the Bluebells will not simply be there to make up the numbers.
“We’re here to compete and give as good a performance as we possibly can, and then we’ll see where that takes us.”
Green also called on supporters from across Haywards Heath and the surrounding area to get behind the team, with the hope that Wednesday’s fixture can showcase both the football club and the atmosphere at the HSEnergy Group Stadium to people who may be visiting for the first time.
It promises to be a special night for everyone connected with Haywards Heath Town, but once the whistle blows, the focus will be firmly on the football and attempting to earn a place in the next round of the Sussex Senior Cup.
Haywards Heath Town v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wednesday 30 September 2026
7:45pm kick-off
HSEnergy Group Stadium
Sussex Transport Senior Cup – Second Round
Come down, get behind the Bluebells and be part of a big night at the HSEnergy Group Stadium. 🔵⚪