After the midweek distraction of the FA Cup to kick start 2020-21, Hassocks get their Southern Combination League Premier Division campaign underway with a first ever trip to Alfold.
This was one of those fixtures that just did not want to get played last season. Four times the Robins attempted to play at Alfold Recreation and four times it was lost to the weather with fixtures in November, December, January and March all being hit by waterlogged pitches.
Alfold’s visit to the Beacon had been due to take place on Saturday 14th March but that too fell following relentless rain in the 24 hours leading up to the game. The league season was then suspended a few days later because of the coronavirus outbreak and so Hassocks did not manage to play ‘Fold once in 2019-20.
That means that this will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. Alfold were Premier Division newcomers last time out having won the Division One title in 2018-19 and they equipped themselves well at the higher level, sitting in 11th spot when the campaign was curtailed.
As recently as 2013, Alfold were playing in Division Two of the West Sussex League. Since then, they’ve embarked on an extraordinary rise through the leagues, climbing six divisions to reach senior football. They are aiming higher still.
Extensive work has gone on at the Recreation Ground over the summer with new stands popping up. Alfold have also begun putting in place what they hope will be a successful development pathway, entering Under 23 and Under 18 teams into the North Divisions of those respective leagues alongside Hassocks this season.
The message is clear – this is an ambitious club that wants to establish itself at this level of football before pushing on. They made a perfect start in that regard earlier in the week, hammering Shoreham 9-1 in what was ‘Fold’s first ever venture into the FA Cup.
Devon Fender helped himself to a hat-trick inside 30 minutes. Danny Mobsby netted twice with the other goals coming from Sam Clemments, Jordan Mase, Connor Wilford and Sam Lemon.
It was a result that laid down a marker for the season and highlighted that Alfold could be potential dark horses for a tilt at the title this season.
Measures in place at Alfold Recreation Ground
Track and trace will be in use at Alfold Recreation Ground for supporters and all spectators are asked to keep social distancing at all times in and around the ground.
As part of the redevelopment works, Alfold carried out a complete refurbishment of their clubhouse. Unfortunately, the works are overrunning a little and we have been advised that there will be no food available.
There will be a temporary bar which will be serving beer, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
How to get to Alfold Recreation Ground
Do not use Google! Google Maps doesn’t seem to think that Alfold Recreation Ground exists for some reason, which could make navigation tricky given that the Robins have never been there before. It’s a similar journey to Loxwood away, which means you’ll need to take the A272 to through Billingshurst, joining the B2133 towards Newpound.
Continue on the B2133 through Loxwood and Alfold will be the next village. Once you reach Alfold, you will come to Alfold Crossways where you need to bear left onto Dunsfold Road with the ground being immediately on your left.
