Big game in the battle for the playoffs as season enters its final 10 matches
The Southern Combination League Premier Division season is about to enter its final 10 matches, adding extra importance to every game from this point onwards.
Not that Hassocks hosting Crowborough Athletic at the Beacon requires any additional weight, with the two sides sitting second and fourth respectively in the standings.
The Crows have not dropped out of the top four all season. Hassocks meanwhile have just equalled a club record in senior football by winning seven consecutive matches.
Everything is set for an entertaining afternoon of football which could have a huge bearing on the race for the playoffs.
Crowborough Athletic this season
After nearly a decade away in the Southern Counties East League, the Crows were moved back to the Southern Combination by the FA for the 2022-23 campaign.
A sixth placed finish represented a fine return and with two promotion spots up for grabs this time around, Crowborough always seemed likely to be one of the clubs in the mix for a playoff spot at the very least.
That has proven the case, with the Crows spending the entire campaign so far in the top four – much of it as long-term leaders until surrendering top spot to Newhaven. Crowborough now trail the Dockers by five points but with a game in hand.
Those of you who have spent the past week staring at the table in disbelief at where Hassocks are will know that also means Crowborough are five points behind the Robins but two games in hand.
Hassocks v Crowborough Athletic head-to-head
Hassocks and Crowborough were frequent opponents before the Crows found themselves moved into the Kent-based league.
The head-to-head is relatively close. 28 previous matches have resulted in 14 wins for the Robins, 11 Crowborough victories and three draws.
Hassocks’ good record is helped by an unbeaten six game spell which included five successive wins between 2010 and 2014.
Last time Hassocks played Crowborough Athletic
The Crows showed why they were top of the table when Hassocks made the trip to the Crowborough Community Stadium back in November.
Tall striker Jamie Wilkes gave the Robins a ninth minute lead before goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half from Harrison Mayhew and John Sinclair sent Crowborough into the break 2-1 ahead.
The floodgates then opened as the hosts took a 5-1 lead through Sinclair again, Tom Pearson and Ollie Hyland.
Julian Durand added another consolation for Hassocks in the 88th minute with his first goal in senior football.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 3pm 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 was 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.
