Hassocks head to Roffey for tough examination of unbeaten league start
Hassocks play only their second Southern Combination Premier Division away game of the season when making the Tuesday night trip to the Theatre of Trees to take on Roffey.
The Boars will provide a tough test for Hassocks, whose task now is to prove that their place at the top of the table is not merely a result of playing seven of eight league games at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground so far.
James Westlake’s side will arrive at Bartholomew Way in good spirits. Despite being without several regulars, the Robins moved into the first round of the FA Vase thanks to a superb 2-1 win at Combined Counties Premier Division outfit Horley Town on Saturday.
Roffey meanwhile were not in action, meaning they will be well-rested after 10 days off since winning 2-1 away at AFC Varndeanians to continue their fine start to life back in the Premier Division after being crowned Division One champions last season.
Roffey this season
This is Roffey’s second ever campaign at step five and it is already going better than their previous effort which ended in immediate relegation in 2021-22.
The Boars have won three, drawn four and lost one of their eight games so far and are the only team to have taken a point off title favourites Haywards Heath Town when holding the Bluebells to a 1-1 draw at Bartholomew Way on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Roffey v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks first met Roffey in a competitive fixture as recently as 2021. Since then, the clubs have faced off four times – twice in Premier Division action and twice in cups.
The Robins won both those league matches by an aggregate score of 9-1. The Boars meanwhile are 100 percent in knockouts by an aggregate of 7-1.
Last time Hassocks played Roffey
It was one of those two defeats in knockout competitions coming almost 12 months to the day in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup second round.
A comical own goal from the unfortunate Tom Frankland gave Roffey a fifth minute lead and they secured their place in the quarter finals when Jamie Wanstall added a second with 15 minutes remaining.
How to get to Bartholomew Way
It is quite a straightforward journey to the Theatre of Trees; take the A23 to the Pease Pottage turnoff and then follow the A264 towards Horsham.
At the fourth roundabout for Rusper, take the first exit on Rusper Road for Roffey. Turn left at the next roundabout onto Lemmington Way and another left when you reach the end of the road to join Bartholomew Way. The ground is at the end of the road.
For those travelling by train, the nearest station is Littlehaven on the Three Bridges to Horsham line.
Please note that kick off is at the slightly earlier time of 7:30pm.
