Another big game in the battle at the bottom of the Premier Division table
Hassocks end a run of three consecutive away games with a big clash towards the bottom of the Southern Combination League Premier Division against AFC Varndeanians.
When the Robins embarked on their road odyssey to start February, not many would have predicted that they would make the trip to Withdean Stadium without having dropped a point.
A 3-1 win at Crawley Down Gatwick followed by a 1-0 success at AFC Uckfield Town confounded expectations, hauling Hassocks out of the bottom four in the process.
Brad Sweetman’s side will face a tough task extending that sequence to three wins from three on their first ever visit to Withdean to face Varndeanians.
Like Hassocks, V’s have picked up markedly in recent weeks to climb off the foot of the table for the first time this season.
Having failed to win any of their first 27 matches in all competitions, the greatest of greatest escapes from relegation could suddenly be on.
With Hassocks by no means out of the woods, that gives this the feel of another six pointer in the battle to avoid the bottom two.
AFC Varndeanians this season
This is AFC Varndeanians’ first season in the top flight of the Southern Combination League since 1962 and it has been quite a whirlwind – even by the standards of a club used to excitement having won three promotions in the past seven seasons.
Former Loxwood and Langney Wanderers Alex Walsh was appointed as manager in the summer after Law Edward’s decision to step down. Unfortunately, Walsh was unable to oversee a victory before Ryan Gayler returned to the Withdean dugout.
Gayler was the man who had begun Varndeanian’s rise from intermediate football and he oversaw a gradual improvement as V’s began to creep up on East Preston in the table.
Supercharging Varndeanian’s season has been Dave Bridges taking the helm. They have taken eight points from a possible 18 since mid-December, including a hugely impressive home win over Eastbourne Town and a 3-0 success away at Horsham YMCA.
AFC Varndeanians v Hassocks head-to-head
October’s meeting between the sides at the Beacon is the only time Hassocks and AFC Varndeanians have met in senior football.
The Robins, old third team used to cross swords with V’s regularly when they were known as Old Varndeanians during their Mid Sussex Football League days in the 2000s.
Easily the most memorable clash came when Simon Maskell led Hassocks to a shock success in the Montgomery Cup, prevailing on penalties at Leylands Park.
It was a young Robins side that lifted the silverware that day, including an 18-year-old Ashley Marsh, a 16-year-old Sam Fisk and a 49-year-old Robbie Kitchen.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Varndeanians
Alfie Loversidge took the headlines, becoming the first teenager to score a Hassocks hat-trick for 15 years as the Robins beat Varndeanians 4-1 for their biggest win of the season so far.
Joe Bull got the party started with a goal of individual brilliance, cutting in from the left and letting one fly from 25 yards with only 10 minutes on the clock.
18-year-old Loversidge then took centre stage, completing his treble in 47 minutes either side of half time with a clinical display of finishing.
The only blemish on an excellent afternoon from a Hassocks point of view was Constantin Cornel Ducia powering home a free header with seven minutes remaining to deny Charlie Pugh a clean sheet.
How to get to Withdean Stadium
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is Hassocks’ easiest away trip of the season. Head straight over Clayton Hill, down the A23 and into Brighton.
The ground is well signposted from London Road as you head towards the city centre, but just in case you miss the signs, turn right opposite Withdean Park and head up Tongdean Lane and under the railway bridge.
Parking is then available immediately in front of you, where you will also find the turnstiles. Admission is £6 adults, £3 for students and OAPS and free for under 16s.
Please note that it is a requirement of stadium operators Freedom Leisure that all spectators are seated in the main stand.
Supporters are not allowed onto the running track or to watch the match from behind the dugouts or goals.
