Hassocks welcome Pagham to the Beacon at the start of a massive month of football
February has the look of a significant month for Hassocks in their push for a top five finish and it begins with Pagham at the Beacon.
It will be the Lions’ first visit to Mid Sussex since their one-season hiatus in the Wessex League. Pagham are one of the opponents the Robins have faced the most in their 40-odd years in the Southern Combination League with 58 previous meetings between the clubs.
Most of those games have tended to be packed with entertainment, making it one of the highlights of the fixture list. Fingers crossed for similar in match number 59.
Pagham this season
It was a difficult 2022-23 season for Pagham following the FA’s decision to move them sideways from the Southern Combination into the Wessex League.
They lost some important players who wished to remain playing against Sussex-based opponents rather than travelling west as far as Bournemouth which. Combined with the Wessex League being of a higher standard, that meant a campaign of struggle.
The Lions finished 19th of 20 teams which could have seen them relegated into Wessex One. Instead, the FA moved them back into the Southern Combination.
This has subsequently been billed a campaign of transition by the club as they look to rebuild with the focus back on playing in Sussex.
So far, so good in that regard with the Lions sitting 12th and on course for a comfortable mid table finish, from where they will hope to push on next season… presuming the FA don’t have other ideas again.
Hassocks v Pagham head-to-head
Games with Pagham are not clashes the Robins have tended to enjoy through the years, which is slightly problematic given the number there have been.
The Lions lead the head-to-head with 28 wins compared to Hassocks’ 20, leaving nine draws. League form for the Robins against Pagham in recent years is particularly dire.
Since the start of 2014-15 campaign, Hassocks have picked up a grand total of 16 points from a possible 45.
Last time Hassocks played Pagham
The Robins have, however, won back-to-back meetings now with the Lions. Josh Short scored the only goal of the game at Nyetimber Lane in March 2022, earning three huge points in the battle against relegation and arguably the most impressive win of Brad Sweetman’s season in charge.
Hassocks then ran out 2-1 victors away from home in the August clash between the clubs down in the far west of Sussex.
First half goals from Super Pat Harding and Kyle Woolven proved enough even though Dan Simmonds set up a nervy final 20 minutes by halving the deficit.
It provided a fitting tribute to Hassocks stalwart Dave Knight, whose funeral was held earlier in the afternoon.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 2pm 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.
