After back-to-back cup games, Hassocks Under 23s return to the bread and butter of West Division action as they host Southwick at the Beacon on Thursday night.
It will be the Robins’ first game in the league since they defeated Lancing 3-2 five weeks ago. Since then, they’ve had a week off, a game postponed away at Broadbridge Heath and then played in the two knockout competitions they’re involved in.
Results in those were mixed – last Thursday night saw an excellent 6-0 win over Peacehaven & Telscombe in the Southern Combination Under 23 League Cup but the previous week they were eliminated from the Sussex Under 23 Challenge Trophy at the hands of Hastings United.
Losing 4-2 to Bostik League opponents wasn’t a terrible result in fairness and the Robins can now concentrate on consolidating top spot in the run up to Christmas.
During their absence from league action, closest pursuers Horsham YMCA lost 3-2 away at Mile Oak for their second defeat of the season, leaving the sides level on points at the top but with Hassocks now having a game in hand.
With YM meeting third place Lancing at the same time as Southwick visit Mid Sussex, Hassocks will know they have an opportunity to try and move a little clearer of the chasing pack.
These two sides have already met this season with the Robins being pushed all the way for victory at Old Barn Way back in September.
Jakob Ross gave the hosts a 40th minute lead which they held right up until the final eight minutes when James Littlejohn netted an extremelt late brace to give Hassocks a huge three points.
The Wickers currently sit eighth in the table having won three, drawn two and lost five of their games so far. Their victories have come against Mile Oak, Broadbridge Heath and Midhurst & Easebourne while as well as pushing Hassocks close, they’ve also claimed a point from YMCA in a 1-1 home draw last month.
That points to a tough evening being in store for the Robins. Kick off is at 7.45pm and entrance is £3 for adults with everybody else going free. Both the Robins Bar for all your beer needs and the T Bar for hot and cold food and drinks will be open.
With wet weather forecast for Mid Sussex and in light of the fact the first team’s game with AFC Uckfield Town was lost to a waterlogged pitch on Tuesday night, please keep an eye on this website and our social media platforms for news of any postponements.
