After three weeks without a game, Hassocks will be hoping to get back to Southern Combination League Premier Division with a first ever trip to Alfold on Tuesday night.
Since beating Horsham YMCA 3-2 at the Beacon in dramatic fashion on Februay 11th, the Robins have seen home matches against Langney Wanderers, Little Common and Broadbridge Heath postponed due to the weather as well as their trip to AFC Uckfield Town.
This visit to last season’s Division One champions hasn’t fared much better either. Three times so far Hassocks have been due to play Alfold, only for the game to be called off.
In November, kick off had been just 10 minutes away at Alfold Recreation Ground 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, as did the latest attempt to get the game played in January.
Should it go ahead on this occasion, then it will be the first ever meeting between the club’s in a senior competitive fixture.
Alfold are making a good impression on the top flight in their debut campaign at this level. They have won 10, drawn four and lost 11 of their 25 games so far to sit in 10th position.
With games in hand over most of the sides around them, they could easily secure a top 10 finish which would be an excellent achievement.
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 three times there in all competitions this season.
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.
While the Robins haven’t kicked a ball in anger for 21 days, Alfold will come into the clash with some match practice under their belts.
They beat Eastbourne United at Alfold Rec on Saturday 15th February and followed that up with a 0-0 draw away at Steyning Town seven days later.
Kick off is at 7.45pm. As always, if you’re planning on making the long trip for the game then please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for any news of a postponement.
