Hassocks host the Tigers on the first day of a new era at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground
A new era begins at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground when Satldean United visit for the opening day of the 2024-25 Southern Combination League Premier Division season.
It will be the first match played by the Robins under the chairmanship of Pat Harding, who took over from the retiring Dave John in the summer.
The changes in the boardroom have made for a frantic few months off-the-pitch. Head coach James Westlake has been equally busy, bringing in nine new faces as the Robins look to build on their record-breaking 2023-24 campaign.
Hassocks racked up 78 Premier Division points, more than any other side in Robins history. That was enough to secure a fifth placed finish and qualify for the playoffs, where they were defeated by eventual promotion winners Eastbourne Town.
What will the new season bring? Time to find out.
Saltdean United last season
Kieran Ridley took over the Tigers last summer, building a young squad many of whom were experiencing senior football for the first time.
As is often the case with such players, results and performances were inconsistent. Saltdean though showed enough fortitude to avoid relegation, finishing in 19th spot ahead of AFC Uckfield Town.
With that experience under their belts, the Tigers will hope to make tracks up the Premier Division in 2024-25 whilst the redevelopment of Hill Park continues to take shape.
A new clubhouse, stands and 3G pitch will give Saltdean some of the finest facilities in the league once completed – leaving the future looking very bright for the Tigers.
Saltdean United v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks and Saltdean have faced off on 36 occasions in the past, the majority of which came during the late 1990s when the Tigers were one of the most formidable non-league sides in Sussex.
Despite that, the head-to-head is actually very even. Hassocks have 15 wins to their name and Saltdean 16, leaving just five draws – three of which have come in the past eight matches.
Last time Hassocks played Saltdean United
Hassocks visited Hill Park on the penultimate game of last season, where a point would have guaranteed the Tigers their survival and the Robins a playoff place.
All three though went to the hosts, who edged a chaotic game 4-3. Harley Damario put Saltdean ahead on 18 but the lead lasted only four minutes until Matt Gunn equalised.
A first senior goal for Micael Fatela made it 2-1 Hassocks on 33. Ben Whitmore cancelled that out six minutes later as the sides went into half time level.
Gunn fired in his second of the afternoon five minutes after the restart to make it 3-2 to the Robins. Fraser Midleton pulled it back to 3-3 with 20 left to play.
Although the draw suited both clubs, Damario was rewarded for wanting to go for the victory when catching the Hassocks defence flatfooted to find an 88th minute winner.
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 Dave John Lounge 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.
