Robins return to action after a fortnight off with home fixture against Lingers
Hassocks return to action after a fortnight off with their final home fixture before Christmas as Lingfield are the visitors to BN6.
The Robins have not played since a dramatic 2-1 win over Shoreham at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground two weeks ago, when injury time goals from Ruari Farrell and Jack Troak secured a stunning comeback victory.
Last week’s trip to Wick was postponed when a leak caused serious damage to the changing rooms and clubhouse at Crabtree Park.
On the same Saturday, Lingfield against AFC Varndeanians was one of only two Southern Combination Premier Division matches to go ahead with Storm Darragh battering Sussex.
The Lingers went down 4-1 at Withdean Stadium. They were also in midweek Surrey Senior Cup action against Dorking Wanderers.
Lingfield will subsequently arrive at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground with plenty of recent match practice under their belts for what should be a Christmas cracker of a fixture.
Lingfield this season
The ongoing problems with drainage at the Lingers’ Godstone Road home which have rendered them nomads for the past few seasons are now threatening the club’s very existence.
Lingfield spent last season ground sharing with Horley Town. They began the current campaign as tenants at Oakwood in a measure only meant to last a few months whilst £230,000 worth of work was completed at Godstone Road.
But – somewhat ironically – the wet weather meant the drainage improvements had to be delayed until the Spring.
With Oakwood’s ground not graded as suitable for step five, Lingfield find themselves without even a temporary home after the FA refused to sanction a season-long residency at Tinsley Lane.
Even more problematic has been the cost of playing away from Godstone Road. Hiring pitches has drained the club’s resources, a fact compounded by there being no income from bar or food sales.
The Lingers launched a fund raiser a few months ago and have nearly reached the £12,000 target needed to ensure they can complete the season. After that, they hope to return to Godstone Road for 2025-26.
There would be no shame if all that upheaval and uncertainty led to Lingfield sitting rock bottom of the table. Yet they are currently outside the relegation places in 18th spot, six clear of Little Common in 20th.
Hassocks know first hand all about the fighting spirit amongst this Lingers side. Lingfield held the Robins to a 2-2 draw in August – making them one of only three teams to have taken points off James Westlake’s side this season.
Hassocks v Lingfield head-to-head
There have been 34 meetings. The Robins lead the head-to-head with 15 wins to Lingfield’s 10, leaving nine draws.
The Lingers were initially the the dominant side after returning to the Premier Division in 2018 but Hassocks now have four wins, two draws and one defeat from the past seven meetings between the two since the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign.
Last time Hassocks played Lingfield
That aforementioned 2-2 at Tinsley Lane back in August. It was a tepid match, save for a 20 minute second half spell in which all four goals arrived.
Conor Wilford gave the Lingers the lead but Josh Mundy and Alfie Loversidge efforts in the space of 180 seconds turned the game on its head.
The Robins though only led for a further three minutes themselves before Dennis Asante levelled, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 2pm 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 Jodie’s Food Wagon will also be operational. 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.
