Robins welcome Saltdean United to the Beacon for the second time in seven weeks
Hassocks complete a run of three consecutive home matches by hosting Saltdean United at the Beacon for the second time in seven weeks.
Former Robins head coach Brad Sweetman brought his Tigers side to Mid Sussex in the Sussex Senior Cup in October – and if their return visit is anywhere near as entertaining as that one, the crowd should be in for a treat.
It finished 2-2 thanks to a late Hassocks equaliser followed by an elongated penalty shootout. The Robins eventually won through to a second round tie against Eastbourne Town which is still yet to be played thanks to the November weather.
That draw meant that Hassocks are still yet to beat Saltdean since the Tigers returned to the Premier Division in 2017.
Victory would not only be the Robins’ first over Saltdean since 2001, but it could also lift Hassocks into fifth spot in the Premier Division depending on other results on the day.
Saltdean United this season
After Bryan O’Toole and the entire squad who finished second in the Premier Division to Littlehampton Town left Hill Park in the summer, the Tigers faced a considerable rebuild.
Charged with the task was Sweetman, who led Hassocks to the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup semi final last season and a finishing position nine points clear of the bottom two.
That was achieved with a squad of young players supplemented by some more experienced heads. Sweetman has taken a similar approach at Saltdean and many of his Tigers squad will be familiar to Hassocks fans, having come through the Under 18s and Under 23s into the senior setup at the Beacon.
Saltdean currently sit 15 points clear of Roffey and nine ahead of Alfold at the bottom of the table. With their primary objective being to stay in the Premier Division having been tipped for relegation by many people, things are going well so far for the Tigers.
Hassocks v Saltdean United head-to-head
Hassocks have faced Saltdean on 32 occasions in the past, winning 12. The Tigers have 15 victories to their name, leaving just five draws.
Three of those stalemates have come in the past four meetings, suggesting that this might be one to put on your pools coupon.
The Robins used to dominate the fixture during the early 90s, winning six times in Division One and scoring 19 goals along the way.
Not so much anymore; as already mentioned, Hassocks are yet to beat the Tigers in any competition since Saltdean won promotion back to the top flight in 2017.
Last time Hassocks played Saltdean United
There was plenty of drama in that Sussex Senior Cup first round clash last month. Jack Troak put the Robins 1-0 ahead, only for Saltdean to come fighting back through one of their former Hassocks players Lucas Tyrrell and Jesse Burbidge.
It looked like the Tigers were going to progress until substitute Phil Johnson struck an 81st minute equaliser, sending the game to penalties.
Seven spot kicks out of 18 were missed before Hassocks eventually progressed, winning 6-5 from 12 yards.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 3pm and admission is £7 adults, £3 concessions and free for under 16s. Both card and cash payments are accepted on the turnstiles.
The T Bar will be open serving hot food and drink and the Robins Bar has a wide selection of craft beer from local breweries, along with other alcohol. We will be showing World Cup football in the Clubhouse throughout the afternoon.
Dogs are welcome and a 44 page printed matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
