Hassocks head coach spoke to Steve Bone at the Mid Sussex Times ahead of the second half of the 2024-25 campaign
Southern Combination League leaders Hassocks headed into the big Boxing Day derby at Haywards Heath Town with boss James Westlake reminding his players: We’ve done nothing yet.
And the Robins came away from the Home Smart Energy Stadium still 11 points clear of Heath at the top of the Premier Division following an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The result means Hassocks remain in prime position to take the title and automatic promotion to the Isthmian South East.
But they know there are still many games to play and they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal – particularly with 11 of their remaining 18 games taking place away from the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
Robins head coach Westlake said: “It has been a fantastic first half of the season and the management team and players deserve a lot of credit.”
“We haven’t achieved anything yet but we’ve given ourselves a platform to have a real go at the second half of the season.”
Westlake said he did not feel it would be hard to keep his players’ feet on the ground despite their 11-point advantage over second-placed Heath.
He said: “It’s a typical cliché but we are taking each game as it comes. The group are keeping themselves grounded as it can all change very quickly. We’re focusing on ourselves and ticking the games off as we go.”
The Boxing Day draw with Heath is followed by a testing run of fixtures. Hassocks host third-placed Roffey next, after which come six consecutive away matches.
Four of those are against opponents aiming to finish in the top six – Bexhill United, Petersfield Town, Peacehaven & Telscombe and Crawley Down Gatwick.
When the Robins do eventually return home on Saturday 22nd February, it is to welcome Crowborough Athletic – the only team to have beaten them in the Premier Division so far.
Westlake said: “There is still a lot to play for this season but we do not plan on taking our foot off the gas. Every game we play in, we will need to make sure we are ready for the challenge.”
Hassocks have recently added Shay Leahy to their squad – he has joined from Isthmian South East outfit Lancing. “We are pleased to have him with us for the remainder of the season,” said Westlake.
