Hassocks visit AFC Uckfield Town for first game in a fortnight
Hassocks return to Southern Combination Premier Division action after a fortnight off with the short trip to the Oaks to face AFC Uckfield Town.
The Robins saw their scheduled home fixture against Little Common postponed last weekend after freezing temperatures every night leading up to the game left the Beacon pitch unplayable.
Uckfield meanwhile were spared a cancellation as they took on Newhaven on the 3G pitch at the Trafalgar Ground.
It was an afternoon to forget for the Oakmen as they were well beaten 6-1 by the Premier Division leaders.
Hassocks have already visited the Oaks once this season, winning 2-1 in the Sussex Transport Senior Cup thanks to a last minute winner from Alfie Loversidge.
A second victory of the campaign in Uckfield would be very welcome as the Robins look to continue their unlikely playoff push.
AFC Uckfield Town this season
There was plenty of optimism when Steve Ives returned for a third spell in charge of AFC Uckfield Town in the summer, replacing Jonny Elwood.
Since then though, little has gone right. Ives lasted only a couple of months, as did replacement John Kirby.
With the side slipping into the relegation zone, Uckfield appointed former Hassocks goalkeeper Haig Kingston as their third boss of the season just before Christmas.
Kingston has managerial experience from his time at Mid Sussex Premier Division club Cuckfield Rangers and had been serving as assistant at Saltdean United before taking up his new role at the Oaks. Uckfield are currently 19th in the table, five points adrift of safety.
AFC Uckfield Town v Hassocks head-to-head
There have been 23 matches between Hassocks and AFC Uckfield. The Robins just about edge the head-to-head, having won 12 compared to nine for the Oakmen.
Just two of the fixtures have ended in draws and both of those in the past three years; a 2-2 thriller at the Beacon in August 2021 and a 1-1 draw in Mid Sussex back in October.
It might not be a game to put on your coupon, but it is one which normally delivers goals. 85 have been plundered at an average of nearly four per game.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Uckfield Town
Hassocks created enough opportunities to win three games of football in that aforementioned draw three months ago but with Alex Fair the only Robin able to put the ball into the back of the net, they had to settle for a point.
Fair struck with 42 minutes played, cancelling out a first minute opener from Zac Bignell as Hassocks were caught napping at the start of the game.
How to get to the Oaks
Take the A272 followed by the A26 towards Uckfield before joining the B2102 into the town itself. Turn right at the t-junction, past the railway station and follow the road down the high street.
When the fork is reached, take the left hand option down Eastbourne Road with the ground being on the left by the Rajditt Restaurant.
Please note kick off has been moved to 2pm. Admission prices are £7 adults, £3 concessions with free entry for Under 16s.
