Second place Hassocks welcome Southern Combination Premier Division leaders Peacehaven & Telscombe
The Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground hosts an early-season Southern Combination Premier Division top of the table clash with Peacehaven & Telscombe the visitors to BN6.
Peacehaven became league leaders last weekend, overtaking Petersfield Town after Hassocks inflicted a first defeat of the season on the Rams. In the process, James Westlake’s side moved up to second in the standings.
Games between Hassocks and the Tye are normally entertaining, close-fought and competitive. Throw in the carrot of the winners ending the day first place in the standings and the stage looks set for an intriguing afternoon of football.
Peacehaven & Telscombe this season
2024-25 will be a big season on and off the pitch for Peacehaven. Mark Shutt’s side have won five of their opening six games, conceding only three times along the way – and all those goals came in their sole defeat, a 3-1 loss at Loxwood three weeks ago.
After back-to-back eighth place finishes, the Tye’s start to the campaign suggests they can make an impression on the promotion picture this season.
What makes Peacehaven’s form even more impressive is that they are currently playing away from the Window Workshop Sports Park whilst a new 3G pitch is installed.
The Tye have therefore been ground sharing with Eastbourne Town at the Saffrons. And the temporary arrangement may be required to go on for a little longer than first planned.
Work at the Sports Park has suffered some delays by the rumoured discovery of potential Roman artefacts during exploratory work.
Hassocks v Peacehaven & Teslcombe head-to-head
It is not a fixture which has brought Hassocks much joy through the years. Peacehaven have won 22 of the 43 meetings with 10 victories for the Robins and 10 draws.
Last season was the first time this century that Hassocks completed a league double over the Tye, winning 2-0 at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground and 2-1 at the Window Workshop Sports Park.
Last time Hassocks played Peacehaven & Telscombe
That double was completed down on the south coast back in February. Bradley Tighe opened the scoring on 27 minutes with only his second goal in approaching 200 appearances for the Robins.
Somewhat ironically, the first had also come against the Tye in the earlier game at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Tighe’s newfound prolific form facing Peacehaven went down well with dad Jason, who had a long association as player and coach with the Tye’s local rivals Newhaven.
An own goal doubled the Robins advantage on the hour and although Ross Barclay pulled one back in injury time for Peacehaven, Hassocks left with a club-record equalling seventh successive win.
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.
