Robins back at the Beacon following five consecutive away matches
Hassocks head back to the Beacon after five consecutive away matches, hosting Horsham YMCA in Southern Combination League Premier Division action.
The Robins have not played at home since beating AFC Varndeanians nearly four weeks ago. But despite living such a nomadic existence, Hassocks have lost only one of those five fixtures, winning the other four.
Saturday saw perhaps the most impressive victory of the lot. The Robins came away with a 1-0 success from last season’s Premier Division runners up Crawley Down Gatwick.
That leaves Hassocks third in the table with 10 matches played. With back-to-back home games now coming up against YM followed by AFC Uckfield Town at the weekend, the Robins will be hoping to keep their impressive start to the campaign going.
Horsham YMCA this season
This is shaping up to be a big season off the pitch for Horsham YMCA, with the local council set to decide on whether to grant permission for a 3G pitch to be installed at the Herbert Direct Stadium.
On it, YM will be looking to build on the steady progress made since playing legend of more than 500 games for the club Dean Carden took over as manager in 2020.
YM have steadily been climbing the Premier Division standings since, recording a 13th place finish in 2021-22 and ending the 2022-23 campaign in 12th.
They will arrive at the Beacon occupying 15th spot but having faced a pretty tough opening 10 games. A look through their results suggests their lowly position is probably a false one.
YM have drawn with Haywards Heath Town and Newhaven, who are both expected to be in the title picture.
They also eliminated Eastbourne Town from the Sussex Senior Cup via a 3-2 win at the Saffrons and were only just defeated by Premier Division leaders Crowborough Athletic 2-1 at the weekend.
Hassocks v Horsham YMCA head-to-head
Hassocks and Horsham YMCA have faced off on 55 occasions since the Robins entered the Southern Combination League in 1982.
It is YM who lead the head-to-head with 28 victories to their name, the Robins have 15 and there have been 13 draws.
YM’s dominance of the fixture stems largely from their strong home record. Hassocks have been victorious just four times in the league at the Herbert Direct Stadium this century.
Last time Hassocks played Horsham YMCA
The Robins rounded off an excellent February with their fifth win from seven matches and a third clean sheet in a row when beating Horsham YMCA 4-0 at the Beacon.
Liam Benson gave Hassocks the lead three minutes before half time. A magnificent second half performance followed in which Phil Johnson, Benson again and tall striker Jamie Wilkes completed the rout.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 7:45pm and admission is £8 adults, £4 concessions and free for under 16s. Both card and cash payments are accepted on the turnstiles and in the Clubhouse.
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 programme will be on sale for £1.
If using Google Maps to walk from Hassocks Station or the village, please do not take the footpath into Butcher’s Wood. There is no crossing point over the railway line or way of entering the Beacon.
Instead, follow Keymer Road towards Hurstpierpoint, turn left at Stonepound crossroads and walk down London Road towards the ground.
