Hassocks hit the road for tough test against Lingfield
After four consecutive home games at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground, the Robins hit the road for the first time in the 2024-25 season this Wednesday night.
Tinsley Lane, Oakwood is the destination to take on Lingfield in Southern Combination Premier Division action.
Ongoing pitch work at the Lingers’ Godstone Road home means they are not expected to return there until November, having spent last season ground sharing with Horley Town.
Not that being homeless impacted on Lingfield too much in 2023-24. They still managed to secure an 11th place finish and took three points off Hassocks along the way.
The Robins will be hoping that this next encounter is more in keeping with their most recent visit to Tinsley Lane than that December clash with the Lingers at the New Defence.
Phil Johnson scored four first half goals as Hassocks won 5-0 against Forest Row in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup at the ground in October 2022.
Lingfield last season
After several years of problems with waterlogging at Godstone Road, Lingfield opted to undertake the installation of an entire new drainage system at the end of the 2022-23 season. The 18 month project is due for completion in the autumn.
It says much about manager Dan Burnett and the squad he has put together that the Lingers remain fiercely competitive despite having lived a nomadic existence.
Last season’s 11th placed finish was about in line with expectations. Burnett has said he feels the Lingers can make further progress in 2024-25 to be on the cusp of the playoff race if they remain injury and suspension free.
Two wins from three matches so far underlines that belief. Lingfield defeated Saltdean United to pick up their first three points two weeks ago and followed up with a hugely impressive 1-0 victory over Hollands & Blair in the FA Cup.
Lingfield v Hassocks head-to-head
There have been 33 meetings with the Robins leading the head-to-head with 15 wins to the Lingers’ 10, leaving eight draws.
Lingfield had been the dominant side since their Premier Division return in 2018 but Hassocks now have four wins, one draw and one defeat from the past six matches.
Last time Hassocks played Lingfield
The Lingers’ top scorer Jay Simpson grabbed the only goal of the game in a low quality-affair at the New Defence back in December.
Defeat did though spark an upturn in performances from Hassocks. The Robins were much improved in their next outing despite going down 3-2 to Haywards Heath Town.
That was then followed by seven consecutive wins which helped push Hassocks firmly into the playoff picture.
How to get to Tinsley Lane
Take the A23/M23, come off at Junction 10 and head towards Crawley on the A2011. At the first roundabout, go all the way around to the fourth exit for Gatwick Road and Manor Royal.
Take the second exit at the next roundabout, continuing on Gatwick Road. Tinsley Lane will be on your right, between the Kia showroom and the next roundabout. Take the first left onto Kenmara Court and the ground is at the end of the road.
