Hassocks and Midhurst & Easebourne will attempt to get their Southern Combination League Under 23 Cup quarter final played at the second attempt this Thursday night at the Beacon.
The previous tie scheduled for the end of January fell to the cold snap that gripped Mid Sussex with a frozen pitch. A month later, and we’re basking in glorious sunshine that is more akin to the middle of summer than the end of February!
The weather isn’t the only thing that is scorching at the minute, as Hassocks are also in hot form. Nigel Pearce’s side are in the midst of their best-ever run in this competition having never won a game in the previous three editions before this season. Their first ever victory in the cup came back in October, a 6-0 win over East Division outfit Peacehaven & Telscombe in the previous round.
There were two goals apiece at the Beacon that evening for James Littlejohn, Max Willcox and Tristan Hayes in what was a comfortable result in the end for the Robins.
Midhurst meanwhile advanced to the quarter finals after knocking off another side from the East Division, defeating Hailsham Town 5-4 in a game which required extra time to decide it, Thomas Merritt-Smith’s goal in the 114th minute eventually proving to be the winner.
The two sides have already met once this season in the league and it resulted in Hassocks’ biggest win of the campaign to date as they ran out 9-0 winners at the Beacon on matchday two.
Littlejohn enjoyed himself that day as well, notching four times along with a hat-trick from substitute George Galbraith-Gibbons and strikes from Max Willcox and Connor Bradley.
That result suggested that it could be a very fruitful season for the Robins, who currently top the table. The Stags meanwhile sit in bottom of the West Division spot just two victories to their name, a 2-1 success over Mile Oak and a highly impressive 7-5 win over Hassocks’ nearest pursuers, Horsham YMCA.
The victory over YM shows that despite their lowly league position, Midhurst remain dangerous opponents who are more than capable of springing an upset.
They’ll also come into the tie with more match sharpness than the Robins having been in action for the past three weeks. Hassocks haven’t kicked a ball in anger since Valentines Day, when they picked up three precious points away at reigning champions Pagham.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 7.45pm and entrance is £3 for adults with everybody else going free. All the normal facilities will be open with the T Bar serving hot food and drinks and the Robins Bar tending to all your alcohol needs.
