Fourth place Hassocks host fifth place Eastbourne United at the Beacon
Following last week’s washout, Hassocks return to action after a fortnight off with yet another important game in the race for a playoff place against a fellow top five side.
Fifth place Eastbourne United arrive at the Beacon one place and seven points behind the Robins in the Southern Combination Premier Division table.
Crucially for United, they have two games in hand. Head back to the Sunshine Coast with three points on Saturday and then win both of those additional matches and Anthony Storey’s side will leapfrog Hassocks in the standings.
As the stakes seem to get bigger each week, a huge afternoon of football in Mid Sussex awaits.
Eastbourne United this season
Ever since former AFC Uckfield Town boss Anthony Storey arrived at the Oval early in the 2021-22 season, Eastbourne United have been flying.
They went from the fringes of the relegation battle when Storey was appointed to finishing fifth at the end of his first campaign in charge, followed by fourth last time out in 2022-23 – their highest placing since winning the Southern Combination League title in 2009.
United have lost just three Premier Division game so far this season and their goals against record is bettered only by Crowborough Athletic.
Had they turned some of their 10 draws into victories, they would probably be in the thick of the title race. Not that any opponent will want to face United in the playoffs either, seeing as they are one of the hardest teams in the division to defeat.
Hassocks v Eastbourne United head-to-head
Despite Hassocks being winless in the fixture for eight matches going back to the 2018-19 season, the Robins lead the head-to-head with 20 victories to United’s 15, leaving 14 draws from the 49 meetings.
A large part of the reason Hassocks dominate the head-to-head is thanks to their record at the Oval through the 2010s.
The Robins won on six consecutive visits to the Sunshine Coast, even though they only finished above United in the table once in that time.
Last time Hassocks played Eastbourne United
United were the first side to beat Hassocks in the Premier Division this season when the sides met at the Oval back in September.
They did so in some style too, winning out 3-0 victors. Callum Barlow opened the scoring with only two minutes on the clock with two further goals in the final 10 minutes from substitute Ed Ratcliffe knocking the Robins off top spot.
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.
