Hassocks hoping to get back to winning ways after midweek Senior Cup reversal
A run of seven consecutive Saturday home matches comes to an end with the visit of last season’s Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup winners Horsham YMCA to the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Cup draws and venue changes combined to give the Robins their host-heavy start to the season, but their next two weekends will be spent on the road at Horley Town in the FA Vase and Loxwood in Southern Combination Premier Division action.
Having lost 2-0 to Pagham in the Sussex Senior Cup on Tuesday night, Hassocks will be hoping to bounce back and maintain top spot in the Premier Division.
That will be easier said than done, however, against a YM outfit who have made a flying start to the new campaign.
Horsham YMCA this season
YM manager Dean Carden admitted he felt under pressure heading towards the end of last season with his side having spent the entire campaign in mid table.
But then a shock win over Haywards Heath Town in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup final meant there was no way he could lose his job.
YM have put the momentum gained from that memorable cup success to good use so far in 2024-25, losing only once so far in the league to mark themselves out as potential playoff candidates.
Their solitary defeat came against the Robins’ Tuesday night vanquishers, Pagham. Amongst YM’s more eye catching results are a 5-1 hammering of Newhaven and winning 3-0 away at Midhurst & Easebourne.
Hassocks v Horsham YMCA head-to-head
Games with YM have been frequent since Hassocks were first promoted into the Southern Combination League 40 years ago.
There have been 57 matches between the sides, YM winning 27, Hassocks 19 and 12 draws. YM’s better record stems largely from their strong form at the Herbert Direct Stadium.
The Robins have won just four times in the league there since 2000 – although three of those victories have come in the past four seasons.
Last time Hassocks played Horsham YMCA
The Robins got a pivotal Easter Weekend in the quest for a playoff place off to a good start by winning 1-0 at the Herbert Direct Stadium back in March.
Matt Gunn chose a good time to score his first Hassocks goal, firing home from six yards during a goal mouth scramble on 22 minutes.
Victory saw the Robins equal their best ever points tally in a Premier Division season of 72 with four games still 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 Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Instead, follow Keymer Road towards Hurstpierpoint, turn left at Stonepound crossroads and walk down London Road towards the ground.
