East Preston the visitors in a big game at the bottom
Hassocks have three more home games of the 2021-22 Southern Combination League Premier Division season remaining, starting with the visit of East Preston to the Beacon.
EP are enduring a difficult season and currently sit bottom of the table but Hassocks know better than most not to underestimate their opponents having suffered a 4-1 defeat at the Lashmar earlier in the season.
That remains EP’s only league victory of the campaign. The Robins will be hoping that the visitors do not improve upon that record, at the same time as Hassocks go looking to break a run of three matches without scoring.
Everything is set up nicely for a huge afternoon of football to kick start a big week for Hassocks, with their Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup quarter final now switched to Seaford Town and taking place on Tuesday night.
East Preston this season
East Preston look all-but certain to finish in the bottom two of the Premier Division, leaving their top flight fate in the hands of ground gradings, clubs dropping out and further reorganisation of the non league pyramid.
The visitors will arrive at the Beacon with eight games left to play and a 24 point gap to make up on 18th placed Loxwood.
Not only would EP have to win every game from here on in and Loxwood lose all their remaining fixtures, but there would also have to be a 36 goal swing. Even the most ardent believer in miracles would struggle to see that happening.
In a way, EP being consigned to finishing in the bottom two might be bad news for Hassocks. There is no pressure on new manager Chris Pettitt and his players, Pettit having been promoted from his previous role as first team coach following the decision of Simon Hull to resign.
The Robins have been here before. Cast your minds back (if you dare) to the closing weeks of the 2018-19 campaign when Shoreham were stranded in the relegation zone and yet left Mid Sussex with a 5-0 victory.
Then there is what happened last time we met at the Lashmar back in November. And whilst EP only have that solitary win over Hassocks on the board so far, they have managed to pick up six further points from useful draws against Horsham YMCA, Newhaven, AFC Uckfield Town, Steyning Town, AFC Varndeanians and Alfold – proof that they can be difficult to beat.
Hassocks v East Preston head-to-head
History is also on East Preston’s side – slightly. They have an impressive scoring record against Hassocks, notching 89 times with the majority of those coming when Dom Di Paolo was at the helm and EP were the Southern Combination League’s dominant club between 2013 and 2014.
That feeds into EP just about leading the head-to-head with 19 wins from the 46 previous meetings. Hassocks have been victorious on 17 occasions, leaving 10 stalemates.
Last time Hassocks played East Preston
It was one of the worst afternoons in recent Hassocks history as a squad full of players carrying injuries were comprehensively hammered down at EP.
The hosts were 3-0 ahead inside of 30 minutes through Matt Storm, Harry Russell and Matt Woodward. Josh Short pulled one back before half time but a Will Breedon goal on the hour mark wrapped up a 4-1 success for the hosts.
A long, long winter looked in prospect at that point in time – making the Robins turnaround since that day all the more remarkable.
Admission prices and matchday information
Admission prices are £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. Dogs are welcome and a 44 page matchday programme is available for £1.
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 Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted in England, track and trace barcodes are still available for those who wish to use them.
Masks are not 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.
