Hassocks face tough test against improving Bexhill
Hassocks set sail for one of their longest away trips of the season to take on the Pirates of Bexhill United at the Polegrove.
The Robins ran out 2-1 victors in this season’s previous meeting between the sides at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground back in July.
But much has changed for Bexhill since then and they now find themselves harbouring hopes of a playoff place.
A lot of that is down to a formidable home record. The Pirates went their first season back in the Premier Division for nearly 30 years unbeaten at the Polegrove in 2021-22, since when it has become known as one of the toughest places to visit in the division.
The current campaign has seen Bexhill lose only twice in front of their own fans, making this another challenging assignment for Hassocks.
Bexhill United this season
Light was reappointed for a second spell as manager in the summer after a year’s sabbatical. In his absence, Bexhill suffered a disappointing 2023-24 campaign in which they finished in the bottom four.
The Pirates made something of a slow start to 2024-25 as Light got his feet back under the table. Results and performances improved immeasurably from September onwards, however, helped by some familiar faces like dangerous strikers Jack Shonk and Evan Archibald following Light back to the club.
Bexhill now find themselves seven points off sixth spot but with games in hand on most of the teams above them in the table.
Bexhill United v Hassocks head-to-head
There have been just 15 meetings between the Robins and Bexhill. The first four came in Division One in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Pirates were known as Bexhill Town.
Four cup matches spread over 17 years followed before seven Premier Division games since Bexhill were promoted into the top flight in 2021. The head-to-head is level with six Hassocks wins, six Bexhill and three draws.
Just to further underline how tough the Polegrove is to visit, the Robins are yet to win a league game away against Bexhill.
Hassocks’ sole victory there came in the 2008-09 Sussex Senior Cup. Goals from Simon Bristow, Matt Russell, Jamie Hillwood, Spencer Slaughter and Anthony Hibbert secured a 5-0 win for John Suter’s Robins.
Last time Hassocks played Bexhill United
Bexhill led 1-0 going into half time of that aforementioned clash in BN6 earlier in the season. Richie Welch provided the Pirates with their goal.
Hassocks though came fighting back to take all three points via Jack Troak and Ruari Farrell, scoring his first goal in senior football following his summer switch from Mid Sussex League side Lindfield.
How to get to the Polegrove
Head to Eastbourne and follow the A27 until it becomes the A259 at Pevensey. Continue following the A259, taking the third exit at the Little Common roundabout.
Take the third right after that onto Birkdale and follow the road before turning right into Westcourt Drive.
Pass over the railway line, then take another right onto Cooden Drive. The third right after that will take you onto Brockley Road, where you will find the ground.
For those travelling by train, the Polegrove is one of the closest grounds in the Premier Division to a station. Collington Station is around 200 metres away and the main Bexhill Station a 20 minute walk.
