New-look Boars will pose a tough test for Hassocks
Hassocks will face a new-look Roffey side who are improving with every game when the Robins make their first ever visit to Bartholomew Way for a competitive fixture at senior level.
This is the Boars’ Southern Combination Premier Division debut campaign and although they are yet to taste victory from 25 matches, their first win cannot be far away based on recent results.
Roffey held title challenging Broadbridge Heath 2-2 at the Countryside Stadium on Saturday, their fifth draw of the season.
Four of those stalemates have come since the appointment of former Alfold boss Jack Munday as manager and the arrival of a host of players who played under him at the Elliott Scott Group Stadium.
That means the Boars will be unrecognisable from the side Hassocks beat 7-0 at the Beacon on August Bank Holiday Monday. A tough test lies in wait for the Robins under the lights at the picturesque Theatre of Trees.
Roffey this season
Roffey were Division One champions last season before a summer of turmoil followed when manager Andy Lampard decided to take a break from football.
The Boars attempts to replace Lampard resulted in their title winning squad walking away and a lot of unwanted publicity.
That fed into a difficult start to the new campaign, where former AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Eames found himself working with a very young squad.
Roffey have spent the entire season so far routed to the bottom. The arrival of Munday however and the signings he has made has given them hope that they could yet pull off a miracle escape from relegation, similar to AFC Varndeanians last season who overcame a 25 game winless start in all competitions to survive.
The Boars have garnered five points from draws against Loxwood, Eastbourne United, Horsham YMCA, AFC Varndeanians and Broadbridge Heath at the weekend.
Crucially, they are now scoring goals. 16 of their total of 25 have come in the 10 games Munday has been at the helm for.
Hassocks v Roffey head-to-head
There have been just two previous games between Hassocks and Roffey in senior football, both taking place at the Beacon with each side having one win apiece.
The Boars enjoyed a 5-1 Peter Bentley League Cup victory on their visit to Mid Sussex in September 2021, a result that did not come as a great surprise even though Roffey were a division below Hassocks at the time.
Hassocks had a much pleasanter experience on the other occasion the teams have crossed swords, that 7-0 win from earlier this season.
Last time Hassocks played Roffey
The game was over as a contest before half time thanks to Hassocks going into the break 4-0 ahead. A Phil Johnson double, an own goal and an early Jack Troak effort had the Robins in total control.
Hassocks took their foot off the gas in the second half but still managed to add another three in the final 10 minutes through Alex Bygraves, Sam Smith and tall striker Jamie Wilkes.
How to get to the Bartholomew Way
It is quite a straightforward journey to the Theatre of Trees; take the A23 to the Pease Pottage turnoff and then follow the A264 towards Horsham.
At the fourth roundabout for Rusper, take the first exit on Rusper Road for Roffey. Turn left at the next roundabout onto Lemmington Way and another left when you reach the end of the road to join Bartholomew Way.
The ground is at the end of the road and one of the most scenic in Sussex, where you can enjoy a drink on their infamous wooden patio.
Kick off is at 7:45pm. Admission prices are £7 for adults and £4 for concessions.
