Robins embark on longest road trip of season to take on fellow promotion hopefuls
Hassocks head off on their longest away trip of the season, crossing the border into Hampshire to take on fellow promotion hopefuls Petersfield Town.
It will be the first time the Robins have visited the Southdowns Builders Stadium. This is Petersfield’s debut season are in the Southern Combination League after being moved the Wessex League by the FA in the summer.
And Hassocks will not have long to wait for their second visit. Robins travel to Rams again 10 days later in the quarter finals of the Peter Bentley League Cup – meaning the miles will rack up for two tough away games which could have a big bearing on the campaign.
Petersfield Town this season
With the Wessex League generally being a better standard than the Southern Combination, Petersfield were tipped to do well after being forced over.
That has proven to be the case. The Rams are third in the table with 13 wins, six draws and five defeats to their name.
Only two of those losses have come at the Southdowns Builders Stadium, giving Petersfield one of the most formidable home records in the division.
Crawley Down Gatwick and Newhaven were victorious there in September, meaning the Rams have not lost in front of their own fans for over five months.
They also harbour hopes of winning silverware in two cup competitions. As well as taking on Hassocks again in the the last eight of the Peter Bentley, Petersfield have a Portsmouth Senior Cup quarter final against AFC Portchester to look forward to.
Petersfield Town v Hassocks head-to-head
The August Premier Division clash at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground is the only time Robins and Rams have met in a competitive fixture.
Petersfield arrived in BN6 having taken 13 points from a possible 15. That made Hassocks’ 3-1 victory particularly eye catching.
All the Robins goals came in the first half from Morgan Vale, tall striker Jamie Wilkes and Joe Overy. Asad Semi pulled one back on 65 minutes with a stunning strike from the edge of the box but Hassocks held on for an impressive three points.
How to get to the Southdowns Builders Stadium
Head to the A272 for a long old drive through Sussex and into Hampshire. After passing through Billingshurst, Petworth, Midhurst and Sheet, leave the A272 at the roundabout just outside Petersfield to join the B2070.
Once entering the one-way system, take the first left onto Love Lane. The Southdowns Builders Stadium is then at the end of the road.
For those travelling by train, please note it is rail replacement buses between Gatwick Airport and Guildford which may impact your journey.
An alternative route is to travel down towards Portsmouth or Southampton and change at Havant. Petersfield is then 15 minutes up the line from Havant.
Kick off is at 3pm.
