Christmas cracker in store between Mid Sussex rivals
Boxing Day is always one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the non league football calendar and even more so this year for Hassocks and Haywards Heath Town, who meet in Southern Combination Premier Division action for the first time since 2018.
With both sides currently in the thick of the playoff race, there are more than just Mid Sussex bragging rights up for grabs at the Beacon on this occasion – this is 90 minutes of football which could have a big bearing on the battle for a top five finish come the end of the campaign.
The Robins and Heath have already met once this season, playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Peter Bentley League Cup. If the show is as good this time around, then we will be in for a real Christmas cracker.
Haywards Heath Town this season
Heath were one of the title favourites back in the summer following their surprise relegation from the Isthmian League at the end of last season.
They saw manager Jay Lovett leave in October to take up a full time position with Eastbourne Borough but wasted no time in appointing a replacement, bringing former Lancing boss Naim Rouane to Hanbury Park.
Rouane was already a popular figure with the Bluebells, having captained Heath to the Southern Combination League title in 2018.
In terms of management, his Lancing side were top of the table and looking likely to win the Premier Division before Covid-19 brought the 2019-20 campaign to a halt.
Rouane’s Lancers were known for playing good football and that is something which he has already stamped on Heath, as well as making some big signings to strengthen an already powerful squad.
The likes of Lewis Finney, Josh Spinks and of course, Liam Benson have all arrived at the Heath – the latter swapping Hassocks for Hanbury last month.
Seventh in the table, the Bluebells easily have enough quality all over the pitch to make the playoffs at the very least in the second half of the season.
Hassocks v Haywards Heath Town head-to-head
There have been 11 Mid Sussex Derbies between Hassocks and Haywards Heath with the Bluebells very much enjoying the better of them.
Hassocks have only one victory their name from as long ago as the 1992-93 season, winning 2-0 at the Beacon in Southern Combination Division One.
Heath have won seven of the clashes – including all four in the Premier Division to date – with three draws.
Last time Hassocks played Haywards Heath Town
The sides met in the third round of the Peter Bentley League Cup on an evening of wind and rain befitting Halloween.
Hassocks stormed into a 2-0 lead inside of 25 minutes through Benson and Super Pat Harding. Heath pulled one back before the break via Cameron Dobell and an equaliser early in the second half from ex-Robin Charlie Pitcher made it 2-2.
With no further goals forthcoming, the tie went to penalties. Benson missed first for Hassocks and although the Robins scored their next three spot kicks, Heath netted a perfect five to advance to the quarter finals of the competition.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 11am 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.
Please note that we are expecting the south field to be unavailable, meaning car parking will be extremely limited for what is likely to be a big crowd.
The main car park will be closed once full with no more vehicles being allowed entry. We would therefore encourage visitors coming by car to car share or find alternative parking and walking to the Beacon.
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.
