Robins look to extend their perfect February record to four wins from four
Hassocks return to the Beacon in flying form looking to extend their perfect February record so far to four wins from four matches.
Standing in their way are Little Common, opponents who Hassocks are yet to beat in a Southern Combination Premier Division fixture following the Green Lane Boys’ promotion to the top flight in 2018.
The visit of Common starts a busy period of home fixtures. FA Vase quarter finalists Peacehaven & Telscombe visit on Tuesday night with another evening game under the Beacon lights seven days later against Horsham YMCA.
With just six points separating Eastbourne Town in fifth to Hassocks in 10th and with James Westlake’s side having games in hand on all the sides above them, it is 10 day period which will have a huge say in how high up the table the Robins can finish.
Little Common this season
When it comes to climbing the leagues to establish yourself in the Premier Division, few clubs have managed it quite like Little Common.
Over the past 20 years, they have worked their way from the East Sussex Premier Division to reach the top flight of the Southern Combination for the first time in their history.
Plenty of clubs have enjoyed similarly impressive rises but most fall away again; few have gone onto establish themselves as part of the furniture in quite the same fashion as Common.
This is their fifth season at this level, although only two of the previous four have been completed thanks to Covid-19 lockdowns.
Common finished in 16th place in that 2018-19 campaign, their debut Premier Division season. In the two years which suffered curtailment, they were a long way clear of relegation.
2021-22 meanwhile saw a 10th place finish, their best on record along with returning to their Recreation Ground home after five years of ground sharing with Eastbourne United at the Oval.
Common currently sit 11th in the table but with games in hand on every side above them. With the goals of Lewis Hole and Sam Cruttwell, they will fancy their chances of eclipsing their 10th spot of a year ago.
Hassocks v Little Common head-to-head
The two sides have met on 18 previous occasions. Only five of those so far have come in the Premier Division with Hassocks failing to win once since Common made it to the top flight in 2018.
The majority of matches took place in Division One in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In terms of the head-to-head, the Robins have won five matches and Common seven with six draws – so there is little to separate the clubs historically.
Last time Hassocks played Little Common
Not much went right for the Robins on their Friday night trip to Little Common Recreation Ground in early September.
Hole gave the hosts an early lead with only six minutes on the clock. Hassocks created plenty of opportunities but it was just one of those occasions when the ball would not go into the back of the net.
Common in contrast were clinical and having scored with their first shot on target, they repeated the trick with their second via Lewis Parsons with 13 minutes remaining to run out 2-0 winners.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 2:00pm 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.
Dogs are welcome and a printed 48 page matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
