Hassocks host AFC Varndeanians in second round of the competition
The Peter Bentley League Cup has never been the most enjoyable competition for Hassocks. It is over 20 years since their one and only foray into the semi finals, whilst their most recent quarter final appearance came eight seasons ago.
James Westlake and his players will get their latest adventure in the competition underway in the second round against AFC Varndeanians at the Beacon. The victors will go onto host the winner of Loxwood against Roffey in round three.
Last season’s run to the final four of the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup served as a reminder of how much fun a good cup run can be. Not just the Beacon, but the village were buzzing with anticipation the further Hassocks went in the competition.
It culminated in a plucky 2-0 semi final defeat against eventual winners Littlehampton Town. The biggest crowd seen at the Beacon for many years were packed in for a memorable evening of football.
Another cup run in 2022-23 would spark similar excitement. AFC Varndeanians will provide tough opponents, but Hassocks are playing well at the moment. An entertaining 90 minutes should be in store.
AFC Varndeanians this season
Varndeanians have made a solid start to their second season in the Southern Combination Premier Division, winning one and drawing two of their five league matches so far.
It represents a continuation of the superb second half of 2021-22 that saw Vs complete a miraculous escape from relegation from what looked a hopeless position in mid-December.
After climbing three division in seven seasons, Varndeanians found the step up hard initially and failed to win any of their opening 25 games in all competitions.
The return to Withdean Stadium of Ryan Gayler as manager sparked a turnaround and Varndeanians were one of the form sides in 2022, eventually finishing outside the bottom two.
They will arrive at the Beacon in good spirits. At the weekend, Vs became only the second opponents to take something from Eastbourne United so far this season when picking up a fine 2-2 draw at the Oval.
Hassocks v AFC Varndeanians head-to-head
Last season was the first time that Hassocks and AFC Varndeanians had ever met in competitive football at senior level.
That means the head-to-head shows simply the Robins’ 4-1 win at the Beacon in October followed by Vs’ victory down the A23 in February.
Hassocks IIIs did though used to cross swords with Varndeanians regularly when they were known as Old Varndeanians during their Mid Sussex Football League days in the 2000s.
The most famous clash came when Simon Maskell’s side pulled off a shock by winning the Montgomery Cup on penalties in 2004 following a 2-2 draw.
Phil Eldret and Tom Hall were the Robins scorers with Dave Bridges and Mark Lloyd netting for V’s. A young Robins side included an 18-year-old Ashley Marsh, a 16-year-old Sam Fisk and a 62-year-old Robbie Kitchen.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Varndeanians
The Robins made their first visit to Withdean off the back of consecutive wins away at Crawley Down Gatwick and AFC Uckfield Town back in February.
That had eased the pressure on Hassocks slightly in the battle to avoid relegation, which was just as well as Varndeanians ran out 1-0 winners.
It was a pretty turgid affair with very little goalmouth action. Finley Bigg settled it with the only goal of the game midway through the second half.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 7:45pm and admission is £7 adults, £3 concessions and free for under 16s. Both card and cash payments are accepted on the turnstiles.
The T Bar will be open serving hot food and drink and the Robins Bar has a wide selection of craft beer from local breweries, along with other alcohol.
Dogs are welcome and a 40 page printed matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
