Hassocks return to Premier Division action against newly promoted Dragons
After last week’s dramatic Emirates FA Cup tie against Haywards Heath Town, Hassocks return to the bread and butter of Southern Combination Premier Division action against Wick.
It will be the first meeting between the clubs since December 2016. The Dragons ended a seven-season absence from step five when winning the Division One playoffs back in May.
Victory for the Robins would make it three consecutive league wins at the start of a campaign for the first time this century.
Wick will provide a stern test, arriving at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon with four points from their opening two games – suggesting they can make a mark on the Premier Division this season.
Wick last season
Wick ended the regular Division One season in fourth spot before overcoming Worthing United in the playoff semi final and defeating Seaford Town at the Crouch in the final, having finished six points behind Seaford in the standings.
The Dragons benefited from dual-signing several Littlehampton Town players in a similar way to how Hassocks have loaned Noah Hoffman, Joe Overy and Dylan Hurst from Burgess Hill for the new campaign.
Wick manager Lee Baldwin has spoken of his ambition to see the Dragons join their Gold neighbours in the Isthmian League in the future, suggesting there is no lack of ambition at Crabtree Park coming into the season.
The Dragons certainly look to have the required strike power to fire themselves up the table. Josh Irish scored 28 goals in 32 appearances last season and David Crouch was not far behind on 24 from 33 games.
Irish is already up-and-running in the current campaign. His brace secured Wick an impressive 2-1 win away against Midhurst & Easebourne, three days after they held Roffey to a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season at Bartholomew Way.
Hassocks v Wick head-to-head
This may only be Wick’s third season in the Premier Division since 2010, but they were regular opponents for Hassocks prior to that with 39 previous meetings.
Given the Dragons were one of the most formidable sides in Sussex non-league football when racking up eight trophies through the 1990s, it is something of a surprise that Hassocks lead the head-to-head.
The Robins have 16 wins compared to 14 for Wick. Eight games have been drawn.
Last time Hassocks played Wick
Wick came to the Beacon on Saturday 17th December 2016 for a crucial game in the battle to avoid Premier Division relegation.
It was played out in freezing fog and ended 1-0 to the visitors, Joe Grommett grabbing the goal on the hour mark.
Three of the Robins starting XI that day are still at the club – Bradley Tighe started at right back whilst James and Lewis Westlake made up the midfield partnership.
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 Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Instead, follow Keymer Road towards Hurstpierpoint, turn left at Stonepound crossroads and walk down London Road towards the ground.
