Hassocks welcome AFC Uckfield Town in floodlit football at the Beacon
The home games keep coming thick and fast for Hassocks with their next assignment a Tuesday night meeting under the Beacon lights against one of the most upwardly mobile teams in the Southern Combination Premier Division over the past five years.
Ever since AFC Uckfield Town received a relegation reprieve at the end of the 2016-17 season with Little Common unable to come up that year due to the ground grading, the Oakmen have been slowly climbing the top flight table.
The last time a campaign was played to a finish in 2018-19, they secured their highest ever league placing of seventh, reached the final of the Peter Bentley League Cup and were the last Southern Combination team standing in the FA Vase, going as far as the fourth round.
That was all achieved under former boss Anthony Storey. Steve Ives and Graeme Mintrim replaced Storey in the summer of 2020, and the progress at the Oaks has shown no signs of slowing as you are about to find out.
AFC Uckfield Town last season
The Oakmen sat fifth when the 2020-21 season was curtailed in December with seven wins, three draws and four defeats from their 14 matches.
Had the campaign been completed, then there is every chance that they would have set eclipsed their seventh place from 2018-19 to set a new club record.
As for the current season, Ives is going it alone after Mintrim stood down in May because of work commitments. He is yet to win as sole manager so far, but that is largely because of a start to 2021-22 that has been just as tough as Hassocks’ opening run of fixtures.
Both clubs have faced title favourites Saltdean United. Whereas the Robins were beaten 6-0 at the hands of the Tigers, Uckfield only lost 3-0. The Oakmen have since drawn against Little Common and Steyning Town, marking them out as a side who will be difficult to beat in 2021-22.
Hassocks v AFC Uckfield Town head-to-head
Hassocks and AFC Uckfield Town have met on 17 previous occasions in senior football with the Robins winning eight and losing nine.
The mathematicians amongst you will have deduced that means there is yet to be a draw between the sides, so this is probably one not to have on your coupon.
Goals are normally in plentiful supply too with 69 having been plundered at an average of over four per game. The last 11 meetings have all featured at least three goals, making it one of the most entertaining matches on the Premier Division circuit.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Uckfield Town
The last time Hassocks and AFC Uckfield Town crossed swords there were exactly four goals. Unfortunately for the Robins, they all went to the visitors to the Beacon who ran out 4-0 winners in November 2019.
On a strange evening, Uckfield sauntered into a 4-0 lead inside of an hour thanks to a Liam Baitup brace, Bailo Camara and a Dan Turner own goal to wrap up victory before that evening’s episode of EastEnders had finished.
Then in the final 30 minutes, the Robins threw the kitchen sink at Uckfield and with a bit of composure in front of goal might have even managed to force a draw.
Hassocks missed five or six golden opportunities to turn the game around, including a Liam Benson penalty kept out by Phil Hawkins in the Oakmen goal. It was just one of those nights for the hosts.
Admission prices and matchday information
Admission prices are £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. The Clubhouse will be open for supporters with the Robins Bar selling a wide range of beers from local breweries and beyond and the T Bar catering for hot food and drink. Contactless payments are available on the gate and in the Clubhouse.
Although all Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted, track and trace barcodes will still be available for those who wish to use them.
Masks are no longer mandatory inside but please wear one if you prefer. All two metre signage remains as a guide for those who wish to continue practicing social distancing. Hand sanitiser will also be provided around the ground.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Beacon.
