Robins and Bexhill meet in league action for the first time since 1995
Fill up on fuel, you are going to need it. Hassocks undertake their longest away journey of the season to the Polegrove where they will face Bexhill United in a league game for the first time since the 1994-95 season.
United were known as Bexhill Town back then prior to a 2002 merger with Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club. There have been a handful of meetings in various cup competitions since the mid-90s, but this is the first time that Robins and Pirates will have met in the league for a generation.
Under normal circumstances, it is sure to have been a trip which would have garnered plenty of interest among travelling Robins fans. For one thing, the Polegrove has what must rank as one of the best stands in non league football anywhere in the county, a mock Tudor grandstand built in 1929.
The football might have also been of interest, given the upturn in recent performances from Hassocks. The Robins gave Southern Combination League Premier Division leaders Littlehampton Town a bit of a fright before succumbing to a 4-2 defeat at the St Flora Sportsfield a fortnight ago.
Then last week they faced an even tougher assignment against unbeaten Combined Counties Premier South table toppers Beckenham Town in the FA Vase. A 2-1 defeat only told half the story as Hassocks had plenty of chances to force a most unlikely of draws.
The Robins now have another opportunity to prove that they have indeed turned a corner – providing they have enough petrol to get to Bexhill, that is.
Bexhill United this season
This is Bexhill’s first season in the top flight for the best part of 30 years, having been rewarded for a couple of fine seasons in Division One with promotion to the Premier Division for the new campaign.
They are certainly enjoying themselves so far, racking up six wins from 10 games to sit seventh in the table. Included in those victories was a seriously impressive 3-1 win over title favourites Saltdean United in their previous outing.
Goals do not look a problem for Bexhill. Former Eastbourne Town hitman Evan Archibald has been a regular scorer against the Robins through the years and he has 11 to his name already in 2021-22.
Just behind in the scoring charts is Jack Shonk, a long-serving Pirate who has just passed the 70 goal barrier for the club – 10 of those coming this season.
Bexhill United v Hassocks head-to-head
The clash at the Polegrove will be the ninth meeting between Hassocks and Bexhill in all competitions, the first taking place in the 1986-87 season.
Of the previous eight, the first four came in Division One. The next two were in the Sussex Senior Cup and the two most recent in the Peter Bentley League Cup.
The Pirates lead the head-to-head with four wins to Hassocks’ three, leaving one draw. In league terms, Hassocks have one win, there has been one draw and Bexhill two victories.
Last time Hassocks played Bexhill United
Bexhill visited the Beacon in the second round of the Peter Bentley League Cup back in the 2018-19 season. The Pirates were enjoying a great start to the campaign, well involved in the Division One promotion race and clearly fancied their chances of an upset.
That looked very much on the cards as they went into half time 2-0 ahead and deservedly so through goals from Jamie Bunn and Wayne Giles.
Whatever Hassocks manager Mark Dalgleish said at the break clearly had the desired impact as the Robins embarked on a remarkable second half turnaround, coming from behind to win 3-2. James Littlejohn, Dan Jacques and Phi Johnson were the scorers.
How to get to the Polegrove
Head to Eastbourne and follow the A27 until it becomes the A259 at Pevensey. Continue following the A259, taking the third exit at the Little Common roundabout.
Take the third right after that onto Birkdale and follow the road before turning right into Westcourt Drive. Pass over the railway line, then take another right onto Cooden Drive and the third right after that will take you onto Brockley Road, where you will find the ground.
Admission prices at the Polegrove are £6 adults, £3 concessions and £1 for under 18s. Good luck and a safe journey to all those travelling.
