Hassocks’ Southern Combination League Premier Division clash with Horsham YMCA has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The heavy rain that has hit Mid Sussex over the past week left the Beacon surface covered with standing water. After a Saturday morning inspection was carried out, the decision was unfortunately taken to call off the match.
Hassocks had been looking to build up some momentum following last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Steyning Town. Three points against YM would have set the Robins up well for a hectic February in which they face seven games in four weeks.
This latest postponement adds to an already packed fixture list. It’s unlikely that the game can be rearranged until March now, with room still needing to be found for the Robins’ first ever trip to Alfold which has been called off three times so far, the latest coming 11 days ago.
Last season’s game at the Beacon between Hassocks and YM was also called off. Hassocks went onto win the second attempt to get it played 5-3, a score line that would have been even more convincing had they not allowed YM to score twice in injury time.
Mark Dalgleish and his players will be hoping that history repeats itself when they do finally take to the field against YM this time around.
The last meeting between Hassocks and YM took place at Gorings Mead back in August, with Hassocks picking up a rare point as Ben Bacon marked his first goal back in Hassocks colours with an 86th minute equaliser.
Harvey Blake had put the visitors 1-0 ahead going into half time before second half goals from YM’s Dean Lovegrove and Martin Smith looked set to give the hosts all three points until Bacon’s late heroics in his first 90 minutes for three months.
Hassocks are next in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Saltdean United for a relegation six pointer against the Tigers, who are eight points ahead of the Robins in the table. Hassocks do have a game in hand however.
The next game at the Beacon takes place in two weeks time against Langney Wanderers. Kick off in that one is at 3pm.
