For the first time since February, the Beacon opens its turnstiles for Southern Combination League Premier Division action as Hassocks welcome Lancing to Mid Sussex.
It is about as tough a start as the new-look Robins could have been given in their opening home game of the campaign. Lancing had led the way for much of last season and were top of the Premier Division when the decision was taken to declare 2019-20 as null and void.
Obviously, nobody can say with certainty what would have happened over the remaining nine games, but the smart money would have been on the Lancers lifting their first Southern Combination League title.
Being denied the chance to find out did not just cost Lancing a shot at promotion; their manager Naim Rouane also resigned as a result, saying: “It would be very difficult to continue if we remained in the Southern Combination League for a number of reasons including our ambition, commitment, energy and enjoyment.”
If the rest of the Premier Division hoped that Rouane’s departure would dent the finest team in the league last season, then it looks like they will be sorely disappointed.
Lancing appointed the internal duo of James Rhodes & Kane Louis and crucially the new managerial team have managed to hold on to most of Rouane’s table topping squad.
There is no motivation in football quite like winning something that was snatched away from you in controversial circumstances. Haywards Heath Town showed that when lifting the title in 2017-18 a year after a points deduction had given the silverware to Shoreham.
Can anyone stop the Lancers lifting the title?
Lancing this season
Judging by the start they have made, the answer to that is question is it will be tough. Lancing look determined to follow in Heath’s footsteps and win the promotion that they were cruelly denied last time out.
The new campaign may be only one game old, but they already occupy the number one spot after hammering Lingfield 6-1 at Culver Road on Saturday.
Matt Daniel scored a hat-trick and with Ben Connolly having netted a treble against Phoenix Sport in their Tuesday night FA cup exit on penalties, goals do not look like they will be in short supply.
Hassocks’ record against Lancing
Hassocks and Lancing have met on 32 previous occasions with the Lancers leading the way in the head-to-head by one victory. 13 times Lancing have tasted success compared to 12 Hassocks wins with seven draws.
The sides faced off three times last season with Lancing winning both Premier Division matches and the Sussex Senior Cup second round clash.
Last time we met
A controversial penalty denied Hassocks a share of the spoils at Culver Road back in January. Mitch Hewens went down under minimal contact in the area seven minutes before half time and referee Robert King pointed to the spot, an award that even the most ardent of Lancing supporters had to admit was harsh.
The outstanding Lewis Finney stepped up to notch his 40th goal of the season – a quick reminder it was only January – which sealed the three points.
Lancing had taken a 15th minute leader through Ben Connolly but their joy was short lived as within two minutes, Sam Cash levelled things up with his only goal for Hassocks.
Important information for fans attending the game
There are no advance tickets for Tuesday night’s games against Lancing. It is pay on the gate and entrance is £6 adults, £3 concessions and under 16s go free. The Beacon is now accepting contactless payments at the turnstiles and in the clubhouse.
Upon entry, we need to collect supporters’ details for track and trace reasons. If you have the relevant app, you can scan a QR code on your phone upon entry. If not, then please fill in the contact form when you arrive at the ground.
Once inside the ground, supporters are asked to maintain social distancing at all times. The clubhouse is operating a one way system: entrance is through the pitchside doors between the dugouts and exit is via the doors by the turnstiles.
Supporters are asked to wear masks inside unless they are eating or drinking or are medically exempt. The Robins Bar will be serving a new range of beers from local breweries and the T Bar will be open for hot drinks and possibly hot food.
There is plenty of hand sanitiser positioned around the ground so please use as much as you need. Most important of all, enjoy yourself – we have waited a long time to get back to the Beacon and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you all.
