Robins return to league action away against high-flying Dockers
Hassocks return to Southern Combination League Premier Division action after two defeats in knockout competitions with a trip to Newhaven.
The Robins were eliminated from both the Sussex Transport Senior Cup and the Isuzu FA Vase in the space of four days last week, having been handed two very tough draws.
Isthmian League South East outfit East Grinstead Town ended Hassocks’ interest in the former whilst Combined Counties Premier North side Bedfont Sports did likewise in the latter.
With Newhaven one of five teams above Hassocks in the Premier Division standings and the Robins not enjoying a particularly good record at the Trafalgar Ground, a tough afternoon looks in store back in the bread and butter of league football.
Newhaven this season
Having finished third last season to just miss out on both the Southern Combination League title and the playoff spot which went to the runners up, Newhaven have continued where they left off and look in determined mood to goa place in the Isthmian League.
Some smart recruitment has meant the loss of several key players to Lancing has not been overly felt, with the Dockers sitting pretty in third in the table.
They have won eight, drawn four and lost only one of their 13 league games, are into the second round of the FA Vase and comfortably eliminated Eastbourne Town to get their defence of the Peter Bentley League Cup up and running.
Newhaven v Hassocks head-to-head
It feels like Hassocks have been playing the Dockers forever, but the reality is that there have been just 20 meetings between the clubs.
The fixture only become a regular staple when Newhaven won promotion to the Premier Division in 2013 and since then, it has not brought much joy for the Robins.
Hassocks have won just four times compared to Newhaven’s 12 with four draws and only one of those Robins wins has come at the Trafalgar Ground.
Spencer Slaughter scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 success in 2018 secured despite a red card for George Brown.
Last time Hassocks played Newhaven
Non League Day 2023 back in March drew the biggest crowd for a league game at the Beacon for over 20 years to watch the Robins and Newhaven play out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Leon Turner and Liam Benson scored for Hassocks with Harry Wilson and Lucas Franzen-Jones replying for the Dockers.
More important than the football, Robins and Newhaven fans came together to donate over 300 items to the Hassocks Community Food Bank.
How to get to the Trafalgar Ground
Take the A259 coast road into Newhaven, where you will join a one way system on Lewes Road. Follow it all the way around until you have nearly done a complete loop before taking a left onto South Road, which in turn becomes Fort Road with the ground on your right opposite the Marina.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission prices are £7 adults, £5 concessions and free entry for under 16s.
