Roffey and Wick return with Petersfield Town moved to the Southern Combination
The FA have confirmed allocations for the 2024-25 Southern Combination Premier Division with three new clubs coming in and three departing.
Hassocks will face Petersfield Town for the first ever time after they were moved across from the Wessex League Premier Division, where they finished 13th of 20 teams last season.
The previous 2022-23 campaign saw the Rams win promotion from Division One, as well finishing runners up in the Wessex League Cup.
Historically, the Wessex League tends to be stronger than the Southern Combination. It will be interesting to see how Petersfield fare following the sideways move.
Roffey make an immediate return to the Premier Division following their 2022-23 relegation having sauntered to the Division One title by 11 points.
Hassocks found out first hand what a good side the Boars possess when beaten 2-0 at Bartholomew Way in the second round of the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup back in September.
The Robins completed a league double over Roffey in the previous campaign. August Bank Holiday Monday saw Hassocks run out 7-0 winners at the Beacon.
Phil Johnson scored twice along with Jack Troak, Alex Bygraves, Sam Smith, tall striker Jamie Wilkes and an own goal on a scorching morning in Mid Sussex.
The weather for the return game at Roffey in February was the polar opposite. The Robins’ performance reflected the cold temperature as they trailed 1-0 as late as the 88th minute to a Boars side still seeking their first league win of the season.
It was that man Johnson who spared Hassocks’ blushes, bagging a very late brace to turn things around and give the Robins a scarcely deserved 2-1 victory.
Wick are the third and final newcomers. The Dragons secured promotion by beating Seaford Town in the Division One playoff final, ending an eight year absence from the Premier Division.
Hassocks were beaten 1-0 at the Beacon the last time the sides met in December 2016. The Robins’ most recent trip to Crabtree Park ended in a 2-1 victory on the opening day of the 2016-17 via two Jamie Hillwood goals.
Departing the Premier Division are champions Steyning Town and playoff winners Eastbourne Town, who both earn promotion to the Isthmian League. AFC Uckfield Town meanwhile have been relegated to Division One.
The 2024-25 season is expected to get underway on Saturday 27th July with full details of Hassocks’ pre-season schedule to be released soon.
Full Southern Combination League Premier Division line up for 2024-25:
AFC Varndeanians
Bexhill United
Crawley Down Gatwick
Crowborough Athletic
Eastbourne United
Hassocks
Haywards Heath Town
Horsham YMCA
Lingfield
Little Common
Loxwood
Midhurst & Easebourne
Newhaven
Pagham
Petersfield Town
Peacehaven & Telscombe
Roffey
Saltdean United
Shoreham
Wick
