An error by Selsey's keeper David Leaver presented Burgess Hill with their third cup final appearance of the season.

But the League Cup holders were counting their blessings as they kept a grip on their trophy after a young Selsey side had given them plenty to think about.

The only goal came out of nothing on 63 minutes when Leaver completely missed a headed backpass by Richard Neno and Ashley Carr ran the ball into an empty goal. Hillians opened with a flourish, forcing several corners and threatening an early breakthrough.

But Selsey soon found their feet and Ian Ford was off target when latching on to a Daren Newman error. Suddenly it was Selsey who siezed the initiative, winning most of the second ball and looking the more likely scorers.

In a flurry of activity just before half-time they created three half chances to Hillians one. Selsey skipper Steve Hill extended Richard Walters to his left and the Hillians acting skipper then had to claw away a Ford shot.

In between time, Newman's header from a Paul Williams free-kick had forced an excellent tip over from Leaver. The Hillians' goal came under pressure once more before half-time as Ford found acres of space from a free-kick.

Hillians pushed Newman into midfield after the break and it helped a little, but it was only after the goal that they started creating chances on a regular basis. Carr was unlucky with a header that was acrobatically cleared off the line by Jon Bines but a second goal would have been insult to injury for Selsey, whose player/manager Danny Hinshelwood kept himself on the bench.

He said afterwards: "I'm very disappointed because I thought we had the better chances but you've got to look at the future and that appears to be good for us."

Hillians manager Gary Croydon was honest in success as he commented: "Selsey are a good side and made it tough for us. But all credit to my team for getting to three finals this season. That is a massive achievement and one we should be proud of."

Burgess Hill: Walters, Lutwyche, Williams, Downey, Newman, Edwards, Head, Thomsett, Carr, Holden, Davies. Subs: Pook (Holden 82), Silsby, Day (both not used).

Selsey: Leaver, S. Hinshelwood, M. Hinshelwood, Rishman, Neno, Virgo, Lee, Bines, Ford, Lowery, Hill. Subs: D. Hinshelwood (not used), Hurst (not used), A. Hinshelwood (Bines 80).

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