Hot on the heels of last week’s defeat against Premier Division leaders, Hassocks face another tough test against title chasing opponents as Eastbourne Town visit the Beacon
Since their relegation from the Isthmian League in 2014, Eastbourne Town’s Southern Combination League campaigns have followed a familiar pattern of a poor start followed by a strong finish.
It’s been their early season form ultimately over the past five campaigns which has derailed their promotion bids and stopped them finishing any higher than second.
That hasn’t been the case this time around. John Lambert’s side led the way almost since day one, making it all the way through to November unbeaten until they came up against their nearest pursuers, Lancing.
They lost at Culver Road that day and perhaps understandably, that’s led to a little drop off form as a seven point advantage at the top was been overturned by the Lancers with Town now trailing the new leaders by 10 points although they do have a game in hand.
If there are opponents that Town will be confident about getting their season back on track against however, then it’s surely Hassocks with their record against us over the years being seriously impressive.
There have been 34 games between the two with Town winning over half of them – 19 – to the Robins nine with six draws along the way.
In 24 meetings in the Southern Combination Premier, Town again lead the head-to-head with Hassocks having won just once in the past 14 years – a shock 2-1 success towards the end of the 2016-17 season with Phil Gault scoring twice and James Broadbent saving a penalty against his former club.
The last time we met was back in September when Town ran out 4-1 winners at the Saffrons thanks to two goals apiece from Aaron Capon and Dan Perry.
Perry was unplayable that day but the good news for Hassocks is that he has recently moved to Saltdean United – although Town aren’t exactly light in the strikers department with Jack Langford – a man with a very good record against the Robins in recent years – having recently arrived at the Saffrons.
The final score that afternoon may look like a convincing win for Town, but it was actually a lot closer than you might think.
Hassocks gave as good as they got for most of the opening hour or so and at 2-1 down, they hit the post when presented with a glorious chance to equalise. Had that gone in, then things might well have ended very differently. If the Robins can take their chances this time around, then there is hope that they could cause an almighty upset.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 3pm and entrance is priced at £6 adults, £3 concessions and Under 16s go free. The Robins Bar will be open throughout the afternoon, as will the T Bar selling hot food and drink. There will be a raffle and the Robins’ award winning matchday programme will be on sale for just £1.
Please keep an eye on our social media channels for news of any pitch inspections or postponements.
