Following three away games in a row, Hassocks are back at the Beacon against one of the Southern Combination League Premier Division title favourites Horley Town.
Horley are in their second season in the Southern Combination League and to say that they have taken to Sussex football like a duck to water would be a bit of an understatement.
The Clarets had previously plied their trade in the Combined Counties League before the FA decreed in the summer of 2019 that they would be moved into the Southern Combination.
It was generally accepted that the Combined Counties was stronger than its Sussex counterpart, based largely on results in the FA Cup and the FA Vase whenever teams from two leagues met.
Horley set about putting that theory to test. When the 2019-20 campaign was suspended in March, they were third in the table, some seven points behind leaders Lancing.
With nine games left to play, they may have found overhauling the Lancers a tough task but even so, it was an impressive debut campaign for Anthony Jupp and his players.
The question for 2020-21 was could they ride as high now they were no longer an unknown quality?
Horley Town this season
They have answered that with a resounding yes. The Clarets will arrive at the Beacon as the Premier Division’s only unbeaten side. Horley are second in the table, a point behind AFC Uckfield Town but with two games in hand and having negotiated a tricky seven games.
Included in their opening fixtures were Lancing and Eastbourne Town – the two teams above them when 2019-20 was declared null and void – both of whom they beat while they also drew with Newhaven. The Clarets have in effect played three of the teams who you would expect to be in title contention and have taken seven points from those games.
Hassocks’ record against Horley Town
Meetings have been few and far between owing to the Clarets only being a recent addition to the Southern Combination League. In four previous matches, Horley have triumphed in every single one, plundering 14 goals along the way.
The first of those clashes came in the 2016-17 season when Town ran out 4-2 winners at the New Defence in the FA Vase. There were two league games last season which both finished 2-0 to the Clarets with another Vase match thrown into September. The less said about that day, the better – Hassocks were on the end of a 6-1 elimination.
Last time Hassocks played Horley Town
It came back in December at the Beacon with Hassocks deep in relegation trouble and Town looking to make an impression at the other end. Most people assumed that would mean an away banker for the accumulator and whilst Horley did take the three points, they were made to work hard for it.
Russell Harvey took advantage of one of the few first half chances that either side managed to muster to give Horley the lead with 15 minutes played. Tony Halsey added a second six minutes into the second half and 2-0 was it how stayed.
Horley boss Anthony Jupp had words of encouragement for the Robins afterwards. “Hassocks did really well, a massive improvement on last time we met,” said Jupp. “The first half was very tight, for sure. But play like that for the rest of the season and I think they’ll be fine.”
Important information for fans attending Hassocks v Horley Town
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.
