Robins meet Hillians in annual fundraiser for St Peter & St James Hospice
The annual highlight of pre-season is upon us again as Hassocks welcome neighbours Burgess Hill Town in the 10th Ann John Trophy this Thursday night.
Over the past decade, the Robins and Hill have raised more than £12,000 for St Peter & St James Hospice in memory of Ann, the much-missed wife of Hassocks chairman Dave.
The entertainment on the pitch has been nearly as impressive as the money donated off it, with none of the previous nine Ann John Trophy matches containing less than three goals.
Hill have dominated in recent years, winning the past five matches in a row. The Robins though came close to ending that run last season, only being denied a draw which would have seen the trophy shared by a controversial late penalty.
Mike Williamson made a tackle which appeared neither a foul nor inside the box, only for the visitors to be awarded a spot kick. Lewis Finney duly despatched to secure a 2-1 victory for Burgess Hill.
A Trialist had given the Hillians a first half lead cancelled out by a Jack Troak penalty shortly after the interval.
In 2021, Burgess Hill ran out easy 6-0 winners. Max Miller claimed a hat-trick, Martyn Box scored an excellent free kick and former Hassocks players George Brown and Pat Harding completed the rout. Harding of course is now back in the colours of the Robins having re-joined Hassocks last summer.
2020 saw the Ann John Trophy take place in December as Covid-19 restrictions meant fans could not attend matches during pre-season.
The importance of the game to both clubs was evidenced by a record-breaking amount being raised despite the cold and the Clubhouse being closed.
That was the good news. The bad news was that Hassocks were easily swept aside, losing 8-1 to a strong Hillians outfit.
Harding, Aaron Smith-Joseph, Connor Tighe (2), Samson Doherty, Nathan Cooper, Miller and Tom Chalaye all scored. Troak got the Hassocks consolation.
The Robins twice led in 2019, only to be edged out 3-2. Phil Johnson and Will Broomfield scored for Hassocks, Warren Mfula and Tom Cadman levelled things up for Hill.
It looked like the trophy would be shared right up until the 88th minute when Mfula notched his second of the evening to win it for the Hillians.
Burgess Hill won 4-0 in 2018 thanks to a brace from Smith-Joseph, a Kieron Pamment penalty and a Billy Barker tap in.
The 2017 edition was the last time Hassocks had one hand on the trophy in the best game of the nine so far from a neutral point of view.
Goals from Michael Death and a James Westlake brace had the Robins cruising into half time with a 3-0 lead. Hill through launched a sensational comeback capped by former Hassocks favourite Sam Fisk grabbing a later equaliser.
Hassocks’ only outright Ann John Trophy win so far came in 2016. Jamie Hillwood, Liam Benson and Craig Knowles were in the goals as the Robins beat a young Burgess Hill side 3-0.
Hill took the lead twice in 2015 through Harding and Lee Harding, only for Jake Booth and Hillwood to equalise as it finished 2-2.
The first match in 2014 also ended in a 2-2 draw. Johnson and Dan Jacques netted for Hassocks, the latter’s being an absolute screamer from 30 yards.
Jacques ran off celebrating whilst producing a high-pitch scream which set dogs as far away as Albourne berserk in one of the more memorable Ann John Trophy moments.
Hassocks have enjoyed a mixed pre-season so far coming into the 2023 clash. There have been victories over lower division opponents Peckham Town and Billingshurst, followed by defeats against Combined Counties Premier side Epsom & Ewell and Isthmian League Broadbridge Heath.
Hill meanwhile are bedding in a new-look squad under the management of former Brighton midfielder Dean Cox.
The Cox Era got underway with a 3-2 win over Faversham Town last Tuesday. Burgess Hill then drew 1-1 at the weekend with Brighton Under 18s.
Kick off at the Beacon on Thursday evening is 7:45pm and admission is via donation with everything raised on the night going to St Peter & St James.
The T Bar will be open serving hot and cold food and the Robins Bar has been fully stocked with a wide range of beers. Dogs are welcome.
