Hassocks will host Alfold for the first time ever this Saturday after a combination of factors prevented the two sides meeting at all during the 2019-20 season.
Five times Robins versus Fold games were scheduled and five times they were postponed; four at the Recreation Ground and one at the Beacon with a mixture of wet weather, cold weather and Covid-19 to blame.
The clubs finally crossed swords on the opening day of the current campaign in Alfold and although the result didn’t go Hassocks’ way that day, things have gone reasonably well for the Robins since then.
Last Saturday’s 7-2 win over Langney Wanderers lifted Hassocks into the dizzy heights of seventh in the table, already just two points shy of their entire points tally for last season.
The nine goals that flew in that day made it 35 from just six matches at the Beacon so far; full paying adults are therefore forking out just 97p per goal. Hassocks is becoming the place to go for entertainment – hopefully, the Robins can put on another show this weekend.
Alfold this season
It was a busy summer both on the pitch and off it for Alfold. Extensive works were carried out at their Recreation Ground home with new stands going in and as Hassocks supporters who travelled there on the opening day of the season can testify, it is now one of the smartest little grounds on the Southern Combination circuit.
Alfold are clearly a club with ambitions to progress further and Jack Munday has assembled a talented squad for 2020-21 with a scary amount of firepower.
Devon Fender and Sam Lemon have nine goals apiece and Kelvin Lucas seven, giving Fold three players on the Premier Division’s top scorers chart. With Tiago Andrade also on their books, Alfold have the talent to outscore most teams in the division.
In terms of results, it has been a bit of a mixed bag so far and Munday and his players will arrive at the Beacon in 13th place in the table with four wins, two draws and four defeats to their name.
A tough run of games has not helped their cause, with defeats to Eastbourne Town, Newhaven and Lingfield in October. No doubt Fold will be viewing their first visit to the Beacon as an opportunity to get their season back on track – and having already lost to their visitors once this season, Hassocks know they will need to be at their best to stop them.
Last time we met
Little went right for Hassocks at the Recreation Ground back in September. The Robins were well in the game until the hour mark with the scores locked at 1-1 after Charlie Pitcher cancelled out Andrade’s opener.
Alfold’s second from Sammy Clemments saw veteran goalkeeper Phil Wickwar limp off injured to be replaced by defender Dan Turner and it was an uphill battle from there.
The hosts eventually added a third as Andrade completed his brace for a 3-1 victory.
Important information for fans attending Hassocks v Alfold
It is pay on the gate at the Beacon with entrance priced at £6 adults, £3 concessions and under 16s free. We are 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 craft beer and the T Bar will be open for hot food, teas and coffees. Our 36 page colour matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
