Burgess Hill are hoping to play Southern League football next year after their ground was inspected by Dr Martens officials on Wednesday.

The Hillians should find out whether Leylands Park is up to standard in a month's time.

They will then have until April 1 to make improvements to fulfil the ground stipulations required by the league.

The current County League leaders have won the championship four times in six years but have been prevented from promotion to the Dr Martens League by the lack of adequate facilities.

But after building a new 300-seater stand last year, the club are determined to gain promotion this season if they finish as champions again.

Director Of Football Gary Croydon said: "We said over a year ago that we are going to set out to go into the Southern League and we built the new stand to help us do that.

"That has not changed and as long as we pass the inspection and finish as champions then we have a good chance."

There are seven feeder leagues into the Dr Martens and the teams that go up must finish as champions and have the correct ground requirements.

The County League have confirmed that next season's first division will contain 21 clubs if Burgess Hill fail to gain promotion.

The league hope that St Leonards, who have resigned from the Dr Martens, and Burgess Hill will simply swap places.

Chairman Peter Bentley said: "This sort of thing happens with the promotion and relegation system now and then because we are obliged to take a team who comes down the pyramid, in this case St Leonards.

"But as long as their facilities are good enough the three promoted teams in Division Two will come up."

Meanwhile, Hill striker Ashley Carr is fit for tomorrow's FA Vase fifth round tie at home to Winchester City.

Carr was doubtful after suffering a recurrence of a groin strain last week but declared himself fit after playing for the reserves on Tuesday.

Boss Danny Bloor said: "It is great news. He is one of the top players in the county so to have him back will help our confidence."

Hillians must look out for prolific Winchester striker Ian Mancey who will be looking to make it lucky 13 after scoring in each of his last 12 games.