The sixth annual Ann John Memorial Trophy takes place between Hassocks and Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday 23rd July at the Beacon.
Each year, the trophy helps to raise money for St Peter & St James’ Hospice in honour of Ann, who was a constant presence around the football club as the much-missed wife of Hassocks chairman Dave John.
Ann sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2014 and every year since the Robins and the Hillians have faced off in what tends to be an entertaining encounter packed with goals.
Only twice so far has the cup been won outright with four of the matches ending in draws with the trophy being shared as a result.
Hill were winners for the first time last year and convincing ones at that, triumphing 4-0 thanks to a brace from Aaron Smith-Joseph, a Kieron Pamment penalty and a Billy Barker tap in.
2017’s encounter was arguably the best of the lot, a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw.
Hassocks had sauntered into a 3-0 lead inside of an hour through Michael Death and a James Westlake brace, only to see Hill produce a stunning comeback which was rounded off by former Robin Sam Fisk, who grabbed a late equaliser for the visitors.
2016 was the other year in which one side has proven victorious. Goals from Jamie Hillwood, Liam Benson and Craig Knowles gave Hassocks a 3-0 victory against a young side from the Green Elephants Stadium.
In 2015, Hill led twice through another former Hassocks favourite in Pat Harding and Lee Harding, only for Jake Booth and Hillwood to level things up in a 2-2 draw.
It was the same scoreline in the inaugural game in 2014. Phil Johnson was on target along with an unbelievable 25 yard screamer from Dan Jacques.
This Tuesday’s game kicks off at 7.45pm and entrance is priced at £5 adults and £2 concessions.
