Hassocks host Haywards Heath Town in the world’s greatest cup competition
A place in the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup, £1,125 in prize money and local bragging rights are on the line as Haywards Heath visit the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground this Saturday.
The Robins face their Mid Sussex rivals in the world’s greatest cup competition for the first time ever in what must rank as one of the most intriguing extra preliminary round ties across the whole country.
Hassocks have not beaten the Bluebells in a competitive fixture since 1992. There would be no better time to end that barren run than on an afternoon when the magic of the FA Cup and a Mid Sussex derby are rolled into one.
Haywards Heath Town last season
It was something of a disjointed 2023-24 campaign for Heath, who were forced into a managerial change just a couple of months in when Jay Lovett left the Home Smart Energy Stadium for a role at Eastbourne Borough.
Lovett was replaced by former Bluebells captain Naim Rouane, whose Lancing side had been top of the Southern Combination Premier Division and looking pretty unstoppable until lockdown ended the 2019-20 season in March.
Rouane soon introduced the attractive style of attacking football his Lancers made their trademark to Heath and although they came on strong in the second half of the campaign, the Bluebells fell just short of a playoff place.
Some shrewd summer acquisitions have strengthened Heath’s squad and they are expected by many to be in the title picture this season, as underlined by a 2-0 opening day win over a good Eastbourne United side.
Hassocks v Haywards Heath Town head-to-head
The fact Hassocks last defeated Heath 32 years ago tells you that the head-to-head does not make particularly good reading from a Robins point-of-view.
That 2-0 Southern Combination Division One victory happens to be the only win Hassocks have recorded in 13 matches against the Bluebells. Heath in contrast have won nine, leaving three draws.
The team’s respective scoring records tell a story, too; the Robins have notched just nines times in those 13 games compared to 32 for the Bluebells.
Last time we met
It was a tense, nervy affair at the Home Smart Energy Stadium on Easter Monday with the two sides battling it out for the final playoff spot.
Heath ended up running out 2-0 winners. Finn Daniels-Yeoman gave the hosts a 31st minute lead. Bluebells captain Byron Napper wrapped up the three points from the penalty spot with 13 minutes left to play.
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.
There will be no extra time or penalties. Should the game finish level after 90 minutes, a replay will take place at the Home Smart Energy Stadium on Tuesday night.
