Robins head to Hanbury for potentially pivotal game in the playoff race
Easter Monday will see Hassocks travel to the Home Smart Energy Stadium for the third Mid Sussex Derby of the season between the Robins and Haywards Heath Town.
Not only are bragging rights up for grabs, but it has the look of a potentially pivotal morning in the race for the Southern Combination Premier Division playoffs.
Hassocks make the short journey north sitting third in the table, six points ahead of the Bluebells in sixth. Heath though have a game in hand and a goal difference currently superior by three.
History is on the side of the hosts, too. The previous two meetings in the current campaign ended in a draw and a Bluebells victory, meaning Hassocks continue to wait for a first competitive victory over their local rivals since the 1992-93 season.
With so much at stake, there would be no better time for the Robins to end that long run – whilst victory would also set a new Hassocks club record for most points in a Premier Division campaign.
Haywards Heath Town this season
Following their surprise relegation form the Isthmian League last season, Heath were amongst the favourites to be crowned 2023-24 Southern Combination League Premier Division champions.
Barring one of the top three having a collapse in form and the Bluebells winning all their remaining matches, it now seems likely they will have to settle for a playoff place.
That is despite some heavy recruitment, including signing Hassocks’ top scorer Liam Benson back in November.
Where Heath have shown their qualities is cup competitions, reaching the final of the Sussex RUR Charity Cup and with a Peter Bentley League Cup semi final to come against current league leaders Steyning Town.
Haywards Heath Town v Hassocks head-to-head
The head-to-head does not make for particularly good reading from a Hassocks point of view, as you could probably guess from the gap of over 30 years since the Robins’ most recent win in the fixture.
That 2-0 success back in the 1992-93 campaign also happens to be the only victory Hassocks have ever recorded in 12 matches with the Bluebells. Heath have won eight of those, leaving three draws.
The team’s respective scoring records tell a story, too; Hassocks have notched just nines times in those 12 matches compared to 30 for the Bluebells.
Last time Hassocks played Haywards Heath Town
A crowd of over 500 packed into the Beacon on Boxing Day for the first league game between the clubs in five years.
It went the way of Heath, who edged a five-goal thriller 3-2 courtesy of Hayden Skerry, Josh Spinks and an unfortunate Bradley Tighe own goal. Josh Nandhra and Sean Stephenson were on target for the Robins.
The other meeting this season ended 2-2 in the Peter Bentley Cup at the Beacon on Halloween. Hassocks had taken an early 2-0 lead, only for Heath to launch a comeback which led to them progressing to the quarter finals on penalties.
How to get to the Home Smart Energy Stadium
Take the B2122 into Haywards Heath. Once you gone straight over the Sussex roundabout, take a right onto New England Road.
Immediately after the mini roundabout where it becomes America Lane, turn right into Allen Road and the ground is at the end.
Kick off is at 11am and admission prices are £8 for adults, £4 concessions and free for under 16s accompanied by an adult.
