Robins go looking for first win at the Polegrove since 2008
The start of December brings with it one of the longest away trips of the season for Hassocks as they set sail for the Polegrove to take on the Pirates of Bexhill United.
Hassocks will make the journey to the west of the county in excellent spirits. Four wins in a row is impressive enough, but becomes even more so when you consider three of them have come against sides in the top six.
Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory away against title favourites Steyning Town was arguably the most impressive of the campaign.
But even so, the Robins will be way about visiting Bexhill. No Hassocks side has won at the Polegrove since 2008, when John Suter oversaw a 5-0 Sussex Senior Cup victory.
Bexhill United this season
Bexhill saw long-standing boss Ryan Light leave the Polegrove at the end of last season, having taken the Pirates from Division One strugglers to an established part of the Premier Division top six.
The club opted for continuity and so appointed their Under 21s manager John Wright and his assistant Shane Lovell to the role.
After something of a slow start, Bexhill are showing signs of improvement even though they sit 16th in the table.
Some impressive recent results include beating Pagham and going down to close defeats against high-flying Peacehaven & Telscombe and Haywards Heath Town.
Bexhill United v Hassocks head-to-head
This will be the 12th meeting between Hassocks and Bexhill. The first four came in Division One during the early 1990s, when United were instead were known as Bexhill Town.
After Hassocks were promoted to the Premier Division, there were four cup matches spread over 25 years before the Pirates joined the Robins in the top flight in 2021, resulting in four more matches.
Bexhill lead the head-to-head with six wins to the Hassocks’ four, leaving two draws.
Last time Hassocks played Bexhill United
It was disappointing April Fool’s Day for the Robins down at the Polegrove as the hosts ran out 2-1 winners.
All the goals came in the second half. Evan Archibald put Bexhill ahead but the lead lasted only five minutes before Raging Joe Bull equalised with a distance drive.
The spoils looked likely to be shared until injury time when some slack Hassocks marking from a set piece enabled Joe Summerbell to win it for the hosts.
How to get to the Polegrove
Head to Eastbourne and follow the A27 until it becomes the A259 at Pevensey. Continue following the A259, taking the third exit at the Little Common roundabout.
Take the third right after that onto Birkdale and follow the road before turning right into Westcourt Drive. Pass over the railway line, then take another right onto Cooden Drive.
The third right after that will take you onto Brockley Road, where you will find the Polegrove and its historic main stand.
