Robins take on Eastbourne United at the new look Oval Arena
Consecutive away game number nine takes Hassocks down to the Sunshine Coast for a first visit to the new look Oval Arena.
Eastbourne United have invested significantly in improving their long-standing home, including a new 3G pitch and revamped Clubhouse.
Those who ventured south to watch the Under 18s League Cup penalty shootout win against United in January certainly appreciated the new facilities; especially those watching from the dry and warmth of a smart lounge whilst rain and wind blew over Princes Park from the sea.
The weather looks set to be much nicer on this occasion as the Robins go looking for their first win away against United since the 2018-19 campaign.
Eastbourne United this season
United are enjoying an excellent season, especially given the fact they did not play a league game at the Oval Arena until November due to the upgrade work taking place.
They currently sit seventh in the table, six points off second and only three behind Roffey, who currently occupy the final playoff place.
In a sign of what a tough assignment visiting United will be for Hassocks, Anthony Storey’s side defeated the Boars 4-2 in their most recent home game. Prior to that, they held both Petersfield Town and Crowborough Athletic to draws.
United also have a Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup final to look forward to against either Crowborough or Haywards Heath Town, having started their journey towards Culver Road with a second round victory at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground in September.
Eastbourne United v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks have played United 51 times in the past across six competitions, making them one of the Robins’ most frequent opponents.
21 games have ended in Hassocks victories and 16 to United, leaving 15 draws. That the Robins lead the head-to-head is largely because of six consecutive wins racked up at the Oval between 2010 and 2018.
What makes that record even more phenomenal is that only once in that time did Hassocks finish higher than United in the final Southern Combination Premier Division standings.
Last time Hassocks played Eastbourne United
A 3-1 home win over United in October set a new club record of eight consecutive league wins for Hassocks, making up for that RUR Cup defeat the previous month.
Tall striker Jamie Wilkes opened the scoring after five minutes and Harry Furnell doubled the advantage before half time.
Max Thompson pulled one back but the Robins avoided a nervy finish when Dan Turner smashed home a third with seven minutes remaining.
How to get to the Oval Arena
Take the A27 to Eastbourne, joining the A22 when you reach the Sunshine Coast. Follow that until you reach the second roundabout, turning left onto Lottbridge Drove.
Turn right onto the A259 when you hit the roundabout by Homebase, then turn right into Channel View Road with the Oval Arena a little further down on the right.
If travelling by train, the ground is roughly a 30 minute walk from Eastbourne Station.
