Just one place separates Hassocks and Bexhill United in the Premier Division standing
Hassocks kick off a run of four consecutive home matches in all competitions through November by hosting Bexhill United at the Beacon.
Not much separates the teams in the Southern Combination League Premier Division standings. The Pirates leapfrogged Hassocks in the table when beating AFC Uckfield Town at the Polegrove on Tuesday night, moving two points ahead of the Robins into sixth spot.
That continued Bexhill’s good form and climb up the table following a sticky start to the campaign. Whilst the Pirates will be looking to sail into the top five come Saturday evening, Hassocks will be hoping for a positive reaction after a disappointing defeat against 10 man Newhaven ended their seven game unbeaten streak.
Fingers crossed for early afternoon fireworks at the Beacon – where no floodlights will be required on account of the 2pm kick. Don’t be late!
Bexhill United this season
Bexhill enjoyed a magnificent first campaign in the Premier Division for the best part of 30 years in 2021-22. They went the entire season unbeaten at the Polegrove playing in front of some huge attendances and finished in fourth spot.
A bit of a slow start to 2022-23 led to suggestions that second-season syndrome might be creeping in. But after losing two of their opening four league fixtures, Bexhill have now won 11 of their past 15 games in all competitions.
Of the matches they have not been successful in, one was against current table toppers Broadbridge Heath. Another saw them draw with much-fancied Newhaven in the Peter Bentley League Cup before elimination on penalties.
Hassocks v Bexhill United head-to-head
This will be the 11th meeting between Hassocks and Bexhill. Of the previous nine, the first four came in Division One when Bexhill were known as Bexhill Town.
The four matches after that took place in cup competitions with the newly formed Bexhill United, a result of a 2002 merger between Town and Bexhill AAC.
Finally, last season saw two Premier Division meetings. The Pirates lead the head-to-head with five wins to Hassocks’ three, leaving three draws.
Last time Hassocks played Bexhill United
Bexhill left the Beacon with a 4-1 win in January but that did not really tell the whole story on an afternoon when a hurricane was blowing from one end of the ground to the other – for the first half at least.
Hassocks defended that wind through the opening 45 minutes, doing fantastically to turn around trailing only 1-0 to a Jack Shonk effort.
The Robins would have felt confident coming out for the second half with the gale in their favour, only for Mother Nature to play a cruel trick and take the wind away.
Hassocks still made a strong start, Josh Short equalising within two minutes of the restart. The Robins remained on top until the hour mark when the outstanding Dan Turner limped off.
The Pirates took ruthless advantage of Turner’s absence from the Hassocks backline by running amok and scoring three goals in 10 minutes. Shonk claimed two to complete his hat-trick with the other from Max Walsh.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 2:00pm 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 printed matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
