Robins head to AFC Uckfield Town looking for their first Premier Division win of the season
After the fun and games of last week’s FA Cup extra preliminary round win over Lingfield and that now-famous own goal, Hassocks return to the bread and butter of Southern Combination League football with one of the shortest away journeys of the season.
AFC Uckfield Town is the destination, a not-too-far hop along the A272. The Robins will head to the Oaks looking for their first Premier Division win of the season having lost twice so far.
The Oakmen meanwhile have four points from a possible six and remain unbeaten in the league, having defeated AFC Varndeanians and taken a fine point away at Eastbourne Town.
Uckfield’s FA Cup assignment did not go too well last weekend as they bowed out 4-1 at home to Midhurst & Easebourne. That came four days after Midhurst had stuck four past Hassocks at the Beacon, so read into it what you will…
AFC Uckfield Town last season
AFC Uckfield were the Premier Division draw specialists last season. 15 of their 38 matches ended level, more than any other club.
The challenge for new boss Jonny Elwood is to turn some of those stalemates into victories this time around to push the Oakmen back up the table.
Elwood succeeds Steve Ives and although in his first senior managerial role, comes with a wealth of experience having held various coaching positions at the likes of Tonbridge Angels, Crowborough Athletic and Whitehawk.
A busy summer on the transfer front has seen him overhaul his squad with a mixture of young players and experience. The early signs in the Premier Division have been encouraging.
Included amongst those more experienced players is former Hassocks goalkeeper James Broadbent. Elwood worked with Broadbent at Whitehawk and has appointed him club captain at the Oaks after luring him from last season’s runners up Saltdean United.
The list of former players facing off against their old side does not end there. James Westlake made two signings from the Oakmen in the summer.
Sam Cash has already made quite the impression, winning the Bedlam Brewery Starman award in the Robins’ 1-0 FA Cup success against Lingfield. The rangy Jamie Wilkes followed shortly after, having done well as a tall striker in a year at the Oaks.
AFC Uckfield Town v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks and AFC Uckfield Town have met on 19 previous occasions. The head-to-head is locked at nine wins apiece with only one draw between the sides.
That was a 2-2 thriller at the Beacon a year ago. Jordan Badger marked his return to football after two years out with a late equaliser to secure a first point of the season for the Robins.
History might suggest that this is not a game to put on your coupon. It is though an encounter which normally delivers goals. 74 have been plundered at an average of over three per game.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Uckfield Town
The February meeting at the Oaks was a rare AFC Uckfield versus Hassocks game where entertainment was in short supply.
A bobbly pitch made playing on the ground difficult and a strong wind made taking an aerial route equally challenging.
It was one of those afternoons decided by who adapted to conditions better. Thankfully for the travelling support, that ended up being Hassocks.
Charlie Broad scored the only goal of the game, his looping header from a long Dan Turner throw securing three very important points in the battle against relegation.
How to get to the Oaks
Take the A272 followed by the A26 towards Uckfield before joining the B2102 into the town itself. Turn right at the T-junction, past the railway station and follow the road down the High Street.
When the fork is reached, take the left hand option down Eastbourne Road with the ground being on the left by the Rajditt Restaurant.
