There’s a bonus Beacon game this Tuesday as Hassocks will now host AFC Uckfield Town in Southern Combination League Premier Division action.
With Uckfield set to host Sutton Common Rovers in the third round of the FA Vase this coming Saturday, they asked if Hassocks would be happy to switch this midweek game to the Beacon in an attempt to try and protect the Oaks playing surface.
As one of only four Southern Combination sides left in the Vase, the Robins were only too happy to help one of their fellow clubs in their attempts to fly the flag for Sussex football in the national cup competition.
The tie had originally been due to take place on Saturday 3rd November but that clashed with the last round of the Vase, in which Uckfield picked up a superb 2-1 victory to secure their place in round three.
This is the furthest that the Oaks have been in the competition and it’s coming in what is turning out to be something of a golden period for the club.
After being spared relegation to Division One only by ground grading at the end of the 2016-17 season, Uckfield haven’t looked back.
They finished in 14th spot last season although that was with a nine point penalty – without that deduction, it would have been a 10th place finish which would’ve been close to their highest ever.
They’ve taken that impressive form into this season and are in a comfortable mid-table position. Among their impressive results are victories over Eastbourne Town and points taken from both Saltdean United and Newhaven, proving that on their day Uckfield can mix it up with the best sides in the division.
The head-to-head record between the two is pretty even, the Robins having won eight of the 14 meetings with the Oaks triumphing in six. There has never been a draw, which means it won’t be one that you’ll want to include on your coupon. When Hassocks do win against Town, they tend to win big having plundered 34 goals in the fixture.
Both sides recorded one victory apiece in the league last season, Uckfield plunging Hassocks deep into relegation trouble with a 3-1 victory at the Beacon in February.
Bright Temba, Bailo Camara and Matt McLean all scored in the space of five second half minutes to give the Oaks victory with Spencer Slaughter netting the consolation.
Hassocks had made the short trip along the A272 to the Oaks in September and it was a worthwhile one as they picked up their biggest away win of the season, triumphing 4-1 through goals from Lewis Westlake, Spencer Slaughter and a Liam Benson brace.
Kick off at the Beacon is and entrance is priced at £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. Both the Robins Bar and the T Bar will be open serving beers and hot and cold food and drink respectively although we’re sorry to say that because of the hastily arranged switch of the game to the Beacon, there will be no proper matchday programme available.
