Hassocks hoping to hang onto 16th spot on final day of the campaign
It is a case of job done for Hassocks in 2021-22 with the primary aim of avoiding relegation achieved a couple of weeks before this final Premier Division match of the season away at Alfold.
There are two things for Hassocks to play for though on their trip to Alfold. Matching Steyning Town’s result at home to AFC Varndeanians will secure 16th spot for the Robins.
The small matter of going into Tuesday night’s Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup semi final with Littlehampton Town in good form will no doubt be playing on Hassocks minds too.
Alfold meanwhile will be hunting three points to try and finish as high up the table as possible. This is the first season that ‘Fold have completed as a Premier Division club after the last two were lost to Covid-19.
Victory over the Robins could see them climb to 13th, depending on how AFC Uckfield Town and Horsham YMCA do in their away games at Broadbridge Heath and Lingfield respectively.
Alfold this season
This has been a bit of a transitional campaign for Alfold. Last summer saw Jack and Matt Munday stand down from managerial duties, the duo having led the club to the highest level of football in its history.
Former Dorking manager Glynn Stephens took over and he faced a bit of a rebuild following a number of departures. That led to patchy form over the first half of the campaign, eventually causing Stephens to lose his job in November shortly after Alfold had been beaten at the Beacon.
Chairman Mark Wright was the next man in the hot seat and he has steadied the ship, ensuring Alfold avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.
There is plenty of young talent coming through the ranks at the Recreation Ground for next season. Alfold Under 23s won the League Cup on Thursday night, defeating Eastbourne Town on penalties. Fold had eliminated Hassocks in the semi finals at the end of March.
Alfold v Hassocks head-to-head
This is a fixture that the gods clearly hate given the number of times it has been postponed since Alfold won promotion to the Premier Division ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
The away game at Alfold was postponed four times that season due to weather. Fold’s trip to the Beacon underwent the same fate once, meaning the sides never faced each other before the Spring 2020 lockdown brought the campaign to an end.
In the intervening two seasons, two matches have been played with one win per team. The opening day of the 2020-21 campaign saw Alfold run out 3-1 victors at the Recreation Ground, followed by a dramatic afternoon in Mid Sussex earlier this season.
Last time Hassocks played Alfold
Goals in the second and 94th minutes secured a much-needed 2-1 win for Hassocks. It was the Robins’ third Premier Division victory of the campaign and, given the much-improved form ever since, has proven vital in helping turn the season around.
Lewis Westlake opened the scoring but his fine distance strike was cancelled out by Sam Lemon on the hour mark.
It looked like it would end 1-1 until Hassocks won a 94th minute penalty. Phil Gault saw his initial spot kick kept out by Andrew Osei, only for the referee to rule that the Alfold goalkeeper had come off his line.
Gault was given a second bite of the cherry and made no mistake with the retake, securing a huge three points.
How to get to Alfold Recreation Ground
Take the A272 to through Billingshurst, joining the B2133 towards Newpound. Continue on the B2133 through Loxwood and Alfold will be the next village.
Once you reach Alfold, you will come to Alfold Crossways. Bear left onto Dunsfold Road and the ground will be immediately on your left.
