Hassocks Under 23s look to get back to winning ways in the hunt for the Southern Combination League West Division championship as they host Southwick at the Beacon on Thursday evening.
The Robins haven’t taken to the field since dropping points at home to Broadbridge Heath a fortnight ago. They had been due to follow that 2-2 draw with the Bears up with a trip to Arundel last Thursday, but that game at Mill Road fell to Storm Gareth.
That result allowed Horsham YMCA to move two points clear at the top of the table, although Hassocks do have a game in hand in a title race that at the moment looks like it could right the way down to the wire.
Southwick meanwhile have enjoyed an inconsistent season really. They currently sit eighth in the table with five wins, four draws and eight defeats but they’ve picked up some hugely credibly results.
The Wickers are one of only a handful of teams to have taken something from YM so far, drawing 1-1 with the league leaders at Old Barn Way back in October. They’ve also drawn with third placed East Preston and beaten Lancing who are currently fourth in the division, highlighting that on their day they can be a match for anyone.
Not that anybody with Hassocks connections needs reminding of that, given the manner in which Southwick pushed Nigel Pearce’s side all the way when the two sides met down on the south coast 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 extremely late brace to give Hassocks a huge three points.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 7.45pm and entrance is £3 adults with everybody else going free. Both the T Bar and the Robins Bar will be open and serving hot food and drink and alcohol respectively.
