Unbeaten records on the line as Eastbourne United and Hassocks meet
Hassocks return to Southern Combination League Premier Division action following 11 days off with arguably their toughest test of the campaign so far away at Eastbourne United.
The Robins remain unbeaten and top of the table despite not having played since beating Shoreham 3-1 at the Beacon.
But they will face a stern examination at the Oval against a United side who finished fourth in the previous season, are yet to taste defeat in any competition and who will be eyeing up a playoff place at the minimum this time around.
Eastbourne United this season
That fourth placed finish last time out was United’s highest since winning the Southern Combination title in the 2008-09 season.
They conceded only 32 goals and lost just six matches. Had a few of their 12 draws been turned into victories, then United would have been very much in the promotion picture along with Broadbridge Heath, Crawley Down Gatwick and Newhaven.
That provides an obvious area for improvement for Anthony Storey and his players this time around. And it has been so far, so good in that respect.
From six league games, United have won four and drawn two. Their cup form has been equally impressive, with victories in the FA Vase and Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup.
It is the FA Cup though where United have made headlines. Victories over Phoenix Sports, Sheerwater and Epsom & Ewell have taken them all the way to the second qualifying round and a home tie against Berkhamstead to in a week’s time.
Eastbourne United v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks just about lead the head-to-head with 18 wins to United’s 14, leaving 14 draws from the 46 meetings between the clubs.
The Robins’ record is helped hugely by the fact that they used to love going to the Oval in the 2010s, winning on six visits.
Those victories defied the form book as Hassocks finished above United just once in the Premier Division standings during that period.
Such happy times away at United are fast fading to memory with the Robins last four trips ending in three defeats and a draw.
Last time Hassocks played Eastbourne United
Phil Johnson scored his 100th Hassocks goal when the Robins visited the Oval in March but it was not quite enough for victory.
Johnson struck with 11 minutes played, a goal which left Hassocks ahead right up until four minutes before time when Gary Ingram equalised.
Not only did that deny the Robins all three points, but it also ended a club-record run of five consecutive clean sheets recorded by James Shaw and his defence.
How to get to the Oval
Take the A27 to Eastbourne, joining the A22 when you reach the Sunshine Coast. Follow that until you reach the second roundabout, turning left onto Lottbridge Drove.
Turn right onto the A259 when you hit the roundabout by Homebase, then turn right into Channel View Road with The Oval a little further down on the right.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission prices are £8 adults and £5 concessions.
