Another tough test for the Robins against one of the title favourites
The Southern Combination League fixture Gods could not have given Hassocks two harder games with which to start their 2021-22 Premier Division campaign.
Saltdean United were top of the table prior to curtailment last season. If anything, the Tigers look even stronger this time around. They showed why they will one of the teams to beat, hammering Hassocks 6-0 at Hill Park.
The first league visitors of the season to the Beacon meanwhile are Eastbourne Town, a side who have been in title contention every year since they were relegated back into the Southern Combination for 2014-15.
To make matter worse for the Robins, Town enjoy their visits to Mid Sussex more often than not and usually head back to the Sunshine Coast with three points in the bag.
Another tough afternoon looks in store for Brad Sweetman and his young side, but they can at least take heart from Tuesday night’s battling FA Cup performance against Combined Counties Premier side Spelthorne Sports.
For 83 of the 96 minutes played, Hassocks led against their visitors. If they can produce the same sort of determined showing again, then Town may not have it all their own way at the Beacon for once.
Eastbourne Town last season
As you would expect from perennial promotion candidates, Town again had themselves nicely positioned when the season came to a premature close in December, sitting fourth in the Premier Division some five points behind Saltdean.
Their record read eight wins, two draws and four defeats. With Town historically doing better in the second half of the campaign than the first, the normal improvement they show post-Christmas might well have been enough to overhaul Saltdean and Horley Town at the top of the table had the season been played to a finish.
Looking now at 2021-22 and the good news for Town – and the bad news for the rest of the clubs who fancy a crack at the title this season – is that they have kicked off with two wins from two Premier Division matches.
John Lambert’s side negotiated a tricky opening day at Horsham YMCA before overcoming AFC Varndeanians at home. If Town can continue putting early points on the board which they normally tend to miss out on, then they will take some stopping.
Hassocks v Eastbourne Town head-to-head
There have been 36 previous meetings between the clubs. Town have won over half of them – 21 – to the Robins’ nine with six draws along the way.
In 26 meetings in the Southern Combination Premier Division, Town again lead the head-to-head with Hassocks having won just once in the past 14 years – a shock 2-1 success towards the end of the 2016-17 season.
Phil Gault scored twice that day at the Beacon with James Broadbent saving a penalty against his former club, one of four spot kicks the goalkeeper kept out over the course of the year.
Last time Hassocks played Eastbourne Town
What you do not need when facing a side with the firepower which Town possess is an injured goalkeeper. Conor Evento pulling a thigh muscle after 20 minutes of Hassocks’ trip to the Saffrons last September was a far from ideal start to proceedings and goes part of the way towards explaining why it finished 6-2 to the hosts.
Bright Temba scored twice for Town alongside Nathan Crabb, Sam Cole, Daniel Hull and Matt Rodrigues-Barbosa. A first senior goal for Alfie Loversidge and Jack Troak’s fourth of the campaign provided the Robins’ replies.
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.
