Robins head to Chalky Lane in second qualifying round of the competition
Hassocks take a break from league action this weekend as they enter the Isuzu FA Vase at the second qualifying round of the competition.
The draw has handed the Robins a trip north to Chessington & Hook United, which means supporters can look forward to terrible theme park references aplenty crammed into the social media updates and match report from Chalky Lane.
Hassocks have not enjoyed a particularly fruitful relationship with the FA Vase in the past, never progressing beyond the second round.
The Robins would need to win two matches to reach that stage this season. Three victories would take them into the unchartered waters of the third round.
Eight wins and Hassocks would emulate Littlehampton Town by advancing all the way to the final at Wembley. One can dream right?
Chessington & Hook United this season
Chessington find themselves in Southern Combination League Division One for the first time ever in 2022-23. They arrived there courtesy of a Football Association decision to transfer them from the Combined Counties League.
United have made a reasonably decent start to life in their new surroundings, sitting eighth in the table with four wins, one draw and three defeats to their name.
It is difficult for Hassocks to know what to expect from their trip north. The Combined Counties from whence United came is generally considered a stronger league than the Southern Combination.
Some clues can perhaps be garnered from a glimpse at two of Chessington’s results. They have faced one Premier Division outfit this season, losing 4-1 to Steyning Town in the Peter Bentley Cup.
One of their league defeats meanwhile came against Michael Death’s Shoreham side, who Hassocks defeated 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at the Beacon.
Chessington & Hook United v Hassocks head-to-head
There have been just two previous meetings between the Robins and Chessington. The first came in the FA Cup back in the 2005-06 season.
Two goals from Pat Harding and a cross-shot which sailed in from the evergreen Mickey Turner gave Hassocks a 3-0 win at Chalky Lane and a place in the second qualifying round for just the second ever time.
The other meeting came nine seasons ago and saw Mickey Jewell and his players suffer a very disappointing elimination from the FA Vase…
Last time Hassocks played Chessington & Hook United
Not a good afternoon in the first round proper of the competition back in October 2014. United were near the foot of the Combined Counties Premier whilst Hassocks were flying high towards the top of the Southern Combination Premier.
Chessington showed league positions count for nothing when it comes to the FA Vase however, winning 3-0. All the goals came in the second half from Theo Woodhouse, Dan Harding and Nathan Gilbert.
Of Jewell’s 16 man squad involved that day, only Alex Harris is still an active player at the Beacon. The goalkeeper was an unused substitute last time at Chalky Lane.
Current Hassocks assistant manager Phil Gault led the line but he cut an isolated figure, not helped by the absence through injury of Phil Johnson.
How to get to Chalky Lane
It is one of those long journeys to the inside of the M25. Exit at Junction 9 and follow signs to Chessington World of Adventures.
As you are about to reach the former home of Dr Burp’s Bubbleworks, keep an eye out for Chalky Lane on your right.
The ground is then immediately on your left once you turn into Chalky Lane. Admission prices are adults £6, concessions £3 and Under 16s £2.
