Hassocks set to host the Isthmian League newcomers at the Beacon
Whisper it quietly, but the prospects of Hassocks’ penultimate pre-season friendly against Sutton Common Rovers going ahead this Saturday look good following several problems with the Beacon pitch.
Remedial work was carried out when heavy rain followed the Ann John Trophy game against Burgess Hill Town two weeks ago. This was to try and improve a specific area of the new drainage system installed in the Spring.
Unfortunately, that left the area in question unplayable. Hassocks were forced to delay their home friendly against Oakwood – which now takes place on Tuesday 27th July – and cancel the visits of Shoreham and Rustington to the Beacon.
Tuesday night’s fixture against Haywards Heath Town had to be switched to Hanbury Park, where Heath ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. It will come as no surprise that the Robins looked rusty against their Mid Sussex rivals having put just one 90 minutes under their belts in pre-season so far.
Isthmian League newcomers Sutton Common Rovers provided the opposition this weekend as they gear up for their first season at step four. Rovers were elevated from the Combined Counties League based on their performances over the two curtailed campaigns.
They had sat top of the Premier Division prior to the winter lockdown, winning 11 and drawing two of the 13 league matches completed. Clearly, another tough test lies in wait for Hassocks.
The game kicks off at 3pm and entrance is by pay-what-you-want donation. Both the Robins Bar and the T Bar will be open and masks are now optional in the Clubhouse in line with government guidance. If you still wish to wear one, please do.
QR codes will still be available for those wishing to check in via the NHS App and there will be plenty of hand sanitiser available around the ground.
If anything changes in terms of the state of the pitch in the lead up to the game, then we will communicate this through our Facebook and Twitter channels. Please make sure you are following for the most up-to-date information.
