Robins return to action after weekend postponement due to bee nest (yes, really)
The last Tuesday night home game scheduled at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground for the foreseeable future sees Little Common the visitors to BN6.
Having played twice a week since the start of the campaign, October brings an end to midweek Southern Combination Premier Division action. Any more nights under the lights will be due to postponements when the winter weather arrives.
Or if a hive of bees decide to take up residence in one the goalmouths. That was the unusual reason why Hassocks saw their trip to Loxwood called off at the weekend.
Being out of action meant the Robins were knocked off top spot in the table by Haywards Heath Town. With Heath not playing until Wednesday night away at Bexhill United, the Robins know victory over Common can take them back into first place for 24 hours at least.
Little Common this season
It has not been an easy start for Common and they currently sit bottom of the Premier Division without a win so far. Nine games have returned two draws and seven defeats, although that does not tell the whole story.
Russell Eldridge’s side have faced a tough run of recent matches against three clubs with designs on a top five finish, pushing all of them close.
Saturday saw Common go down 2-1 at home to in-form Eastbourne United. Last Tuesday was a 1-0 reversal at Crowborough Athletic with their game preceding that a 1-0 defeat to Peacehaven & Telscombe in the FA Vase.
Having lost 3-0 in the league against the Tye a month earlier, the improvement being made by Common is there for all to see.
Hassocks v Little Common head-to-head
The two sides have met on 21 previous occasions. Eight of those matches have come in the Premier Division, where the Robins do not have the best of records. The rest took place in the late 1980s and early 1900s in Division One.
In terms of the head-to-head, Hassocks have won seven matches and Common eight, leaving six draws. Historically at least, there have been little separating the sides.
Last time Hassocks played Little Common
It was a rare Premier Division win for the Robins when Common visited the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground back in February – and in dramatic fashion too.
Julian Durand gave Hassocks a 10th minute lead cancelled out on 28 by Sam Cruttwell. When Josh Mundy was shown a red card on the hour, the Robins found themselves having to defend a horrific wind blowing towards the Railway End with only 10 men.
A point looked a very good result in the circumstances. But then Dan Turner showed the sort of footwork you associate with a tricky winger rather than a centre back, dancing past two opposition players before firing beyond Common goalkeeper Tommy Searle at the near post to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 7:45pm 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.
