Alfold and Hassocks will be hoping that it’s third time lucky as they look to play their first ever competitive meeting this Tuesday night.
Kick off had been just 10 minutes away at Alfold Recreation Ground back in November when a late deluge of rain hit the Surrey village back in November, leaving the pitch suddenly unplayable with both teams ready and waiting to start.
The tie was then rearranged for a Tuesday evening in December but that too fell by the wayside, setting up this January clash which will be the first ever fixture between the clubs.
Alfold are making a good impression on the top flight in their debut campaign at this level. They have won eight, drawn three and lost eight of their 14 games so far to sit in an extremely comfortable mid table position of 12th.
Underpinning that solid form has been an excellent home record. Alfold Rec is already developing a reputation as one of the toughest places to go in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, with the Fold having lost just once there in all competitions this season, a 2-1 defeat to Broadbridge Heath on January 4th.
Survival is the name of the game for the Fold this year following their rapid ascent through the non league pyramid. As recently as the 2014-15 season, Alfold were plying their trade in the West Sussex League.
Three promotions in the subsequent four seasons have taken them from Division Two to the Premier Division in what has been a whirlwind last few years for the club.
Last season was their debut in senior football and they took to it like a duck to water, breezing through Division One at the first time of asking.
They ended the campaign as champions, showing remarkable consistency over the course of the year to beat Steyning Town to the title.
There were big strides forward taken off the pitch as well. Their Alfold Recreation Ground on Dunsfold Road in the village had a new stand and LED floodlights installed as well as perimeter pathways and fencing.
Work that should have taken around two years to complete was done in around six months, highlighting the extraordinary dedication of those behind the scenes at Alfold to achieving their dream of Premier Division football.
They’ve consistently improved their squad over the course of the campaign, bringing in proven top flight players. Names that will be familiar to Hassocks fans include Thomas Howard-Bold, Devon Fender and Joao Andrade while they also have an ex-Robin on their books with Alex Harris having joined the club from East Grinstead Town in December.
The hosts will go into the game fully refreshed having not played for 10 days because of the weather. Hassocks meanwhile will have a point to prove after their 7-0 home hammering at the hands of Eastbourne Town at the weekend.
Kick off at Alfold Rec is at 7.30pm and entrance is £5 adults and £3 concessions. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for any news of pitch inspections or postponements.
