Mammoth run of away games finally at an end as Robins host Crows
After seven consecutive away games over eight weeks, the Robins are finally back at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
But is no easy return for Hassocks. Third placed Crowborough Athletic are the visitors, one of only three teams to have defeated the Robins in the Southern Combination Premier Division so far this season.
Remarkably, Hassocks were victorious in six out of those seven road trips. The only loss came last weekend at Crawley Down Gatwick, when tiredness appeared to be finally taking its toll.
With the Robins wanting to bounce back and Crowborough charging into the promotion picture, a big afternoon of football awaits.
Crowborough Athletic this season
The Crows saw some key players who helped them finish third last season leave over the summer to try their luck at Isthmian League level, most notably from their forward ranks.
That led to a slow start to the campaign in which Crowborough won only three of their first 10 matches in all competitions.
But since the start of September, there has been no looking back. The Crows are just one point off Haywards Heath Town in second and have a Peter Bentley League Cup semi final to look forward to.
In 22 goal top scorer Harry Forster, they also have one of the most impressive opposition players Hassocks have come across this season.
Hassocks v Crowborough Athletic head-to-head
Hassocks and Crowborough were regular opponents before the Crows found themselves spending nearly a decade in the Southern Counties East League between 2014 and 2022.
30 previous matches have resulted in 14 Robins wins, 13 Crowborough victories and only three draws. The most recent of those stalemates coming 12 games and 15 years ago, meaning this is not one for the weekend coupon.
Last time Hassocks played Crowborough Athletic
It was Southern Combination League Groundhop Weekend and Crowborough against Hassocks at the Charles Century Community Stadium was the Saturday night offering.
All the goals came in the first 20 minutes. Harry Furnell gave the Robins a perfect start, firing the visitors ahead after just 120 seconds.
The Crows came roaring back though and a quickfire brace from the aforementioned Forster meant it finished 2-1.
In the process, Hassocks suffered their first Premier Division defeat of the campaign and saw a club record eight league game winning streak come to an end.
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.
Advance tickets can be purchased online from the Hassocks ticketing website. These are downloaded onto a phone and will speed up entry at the turnstiles.
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.
