Under 23s are off – but weekend trip to Bexhill set to go ahead

Clubs told to make necessary plans for football to return this weekend

A second Hassocks game has fallen to the fuel shortage with Thursday night’s Under 23 meeting against St Francis Rangers being postponed.

The Mid Sussex Derby had been due to take place at the Beacon. It follows in the footsteps of the Premier Division visit of Eastbourne United, which was lost on Tuesday night because of the crisis.

Clubs have been told however that Saturday’s full programme of first team fixtures across all three divisions will go ahead as scheduled and that they should plan accordingly.

Writing in an email, the Southern Combination League said: “Due to the recent crisis surrounding fuel supply, all SCFL Under 23 games scheduled for Thursday are now postponed.”

“However, Saturday’s first XI matches will go ahead as planned. Clubs are advised to start making any necessary plans now to ensure they are in a position to do so.”

The Robins face one of their longest trips of the season on Saturday, travelling to Premier Division newcomers Bexhill United.

Bexhill were promoted from Division One for 2021-22 based on their results over the previous two curtailed campaigns.

It is their first season in the top flight for over 30 years and they are making quite the impression, sitting seventh in the table with six wins, one draw and three defeats from 10 matches.

Hassocks and Bexhill last met in the second round of the Peter Bentley League Cup at the Beacon back in the 2018-19 season. Second half goals from James Littlejohn, Dan Jacques and Phi Johnson saw the Robins come from 2-0 behind at half time to win 3-2.

Kick off at the Polegrove is at 3pm and Brad Sweetman and the team will look forward to seeing any support that can be given down there – petrol dependent, of course.

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