Attentions turns to the FA Vase this weekend, where Hassocks have been paired with fellow Southern Combination League Premier Division side Peacehaven & Telscombe in the first qualifying round at the Beacon.
The Tye have carved out a reputation for themselves as cup specialists over the past couple of seasons and that trend looked set to continue in 2019-20. They had already booked their place in the RUR Charity Cup final – a competition they won the previous year with a shock win over our neighbours Haywards Heath Town in the final – and were still in the Peter Bentley League Cup when the season was cancelled.
Conference South side Eastbourne Borough needed penalties to eliminate Mark Shutt’s side from the Sussex Senior Cup, proving that on their day, Peacehaven could be a match for the best teams in the county last season.
2020-21 began in a similar vein for Peacehaven as they picked up an excellent 5-3 win over Bearstead in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup. Unfortunately for the Tye, they were found to have played an ineligible player and so the tie was awarded to the Bears.
Whilst a lot of clubs would have feigned innocence or kicked up a fuss, Peacehaven chair Sue Norwood said: “We’re really disappointed that we have been removed from this year’s competition but we do acknowledge we have made a mistake and for this we apologise to our players and fans.
It was refreshing to see such honesty and a reminder of the class that Peacehaven have been blessed with behind the scenes since becoming a community owned club following serious financial troubles brought about by a dramatic rise and fall to the Isthmian League Premier Division several years ago.
Peacehaven & Telscombe this season
Away from the FA Cup and the Tye have had a mixed start to the Premier Division campaign, winning one and losing three of their matches so far. Their sole success came when hammering Horsham YMCA 4-0 a week ago with defeats to Eastbourne Town, Eastbourne United and Crawley Down Gatwick – not exactly an easy start to the campaign.
There is something of a new look about this Peacehaven team too and as with most sides in which there has been a turnover of players, it can take time to gel.
Three of the new faces at the Sports Park arrived in the summer from Hassocks. Striker Liam Benson, midfielder Alex Spinks and defender Harry Mills all swapped Robins red for the black and white of Peacehaven during the close season.
Coming the other way, Bradley Bant left the Tye to return to the Beacon after two seasons away and he has subsequently assumed the club captaincy. Such familiarity between the two sets of players will add another level of intrigue to the tie.
Hassocks’ record against Peacehaven & Telscombe
Peacehaven have dominated the fixture, securing 20 wins to the Robins’ seven with seven draws thrown into the mix. In 25 league meetings, Hassocks have only won four times with only one of those coming at the Sports Park.
There is one crumb of comfort for home supporters to take in that the Robins won the only previous FA Vase clash between the two clubs back in the 2004-05 season.
Pat Harding and James Laing scored in a 2-0 win to book a trip to Oxfordshire in the first round proper, where Dave John’s side were eliminating after losing a seven goal thriller 4-3 against Witney United.
Last time we met?
Tyler Capon scored the only goal of the game for the Tye as they triumphed 1-0 at the Beacon back in November. There were words of praise for the Hassocks performance from the Peacehaven management team, but alas no points on the board.
Important information for fans attending the game
The Peacehaven & Telscombe FA Vase game is pay on the gate with no advance tickets available. 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 is well stocked with lots of local beers and the T Bar will be open for hot food, teas and coffees. Our award winning matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
