First trip to the New Defence for Robins since 2021
Hassocks head to Horley for their final game before Christmas to take on a Lingfield side who have made themselves at home at the New Defence this season.
Problems have plagued the Lingers’ Godstone Road ground for several years now; so much so that Hassocks’ three most recent Premier Division away fixtures against Lingfield have been played elsewhere.
The 2019-20 saw the game moved to the 3G surface at Steyning Town’s Birchwood Ground. In 2021-22, the Robins came away from Church Road, Whyteleafe with a 2-1 success and last season’s match was switched to the Beacon.
In order to avoid such uncertainty this season and to give themselves a year to try and remedy the problems at Godstone Road, Lingfield are ground sharing with Horley Town.
Hassocks last visited the New Defence twice in the space of a fortnight in April 2021 to face Horley as part of the Southern Combination Premier Division Supplementary Shield.
And in true Robins style, there were two wildly contrasting results. Charlie Pitcher scored a hat-trick in a stunning 3-1 Hassocks win on April 13th, followed by the Robins getting thrashed 8-2 on April 27th.
Who knows what sort of chaos will unfold this time around?
Lingfield this season
Lingfield currently occupy 13th spot in the table with five wins, five draws and seven defeats from their 17 matches so far.
A sign of what dangerous opponents they can be on their day comes from a memorable run to the third round of the FA Vase, where they were one of the last Southern Combination League sides standing.
Clubs from the Southern Combination traditionally struggled up against opponents from further afield, but not the Lingers.
They saw off Tooting Bec, Whitstable Town and Greenways all away from home. Next came the scalp of Tunbridge Wells at the New Defence before an unfortunate elimination at the hands of Deal Town.
Lingfield v Hassocks head-to-head
There have been 34 meetings with the Robins leading the head-to-head with 15 wins to the Lingers’ 10, leaving eight draws.
Lingfield had been the dominant side in recent years but since that victory at Whyteleafe in January 2022, Hassocks have gone unbeaten in five matches, winning four and drawing one.
Last time Hassocks played Lingfield
The Lingers visited the Beacon for the third league game of the campaign. Hassocks maintained their unbeaten start, running out comfortable 4-1 winners.
Kyle Woolven scored his first goal for the Robins in the third minute of first half stoppage time. Tom Frankland and Liam Benson then moved Hassocks 3-0 ahead going into the final 10 minutes.
Lingfield captain Conor Wilford pulled one back before the winning margin was restored to three by young Sam Geard.
How to get to the New Defence
Head up the A23/M23 and exit for Gatwick Airport. At the second roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A217 towards Reigate.
Turn right when you reach the Black Horse pub onto Mill Lane. After some way, take the first right onto Court Lodge Road. Turn right again just before Horley Leisure Centre and you will find yourself at the New Defence.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission is £8 adults, £4 concessions with free entry for under 16s.
