There’s a huge clash at the Beacon this Thursday night as last seasons top two in the Southern Combination Under 21 West Division face off with Hassocks hosting Pagham.
The Lions lifted the league title last year for the second year in succession, finishing six points clear of Hassocks in second place.
The format of the division was changed over the summer to become under 23 football, meaning that both Hassocks and Pagham’s talented squads could stay together without exceeding the age limit.
The Robins currently lead the way in the Under 23 West Division with seven points out of a possible nine.
They kicked off the season with a draw away at Lancing and followed that up with wins over Midhurst & Easebourne and Southwick.
That victory over the Wickers in their last outing a fortnight ago was a dramatic one with James Littlejohn scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to secure a 2-1 win at Old Barn Way.
Pagham meanwhile have won two and lost one of their three games to sit third in the table.The Lions kicked off their season with a routine 4-1 win over Arundel before suffering a shock defeat to Broadbridge Heath, going down 3-1 at the Leisure Centre. Normal service was resumed in their last game however, a 4-1 success at home to Mile Oak.
Pagham will have fond memories of the Beacon. Their last visit came in May when a 3-1 victory ensured that the title went to Nyetimber Lane. Jake Booth got the Robins consolation.
That completed a league double over Hassocks for the Lions. They won the earlier meeting 3-2 when the sides met in October as goals from Connor Bradley and Matt Berridge proved to not be enough for the Robins.
Kick off is 7.45pm at the Beacon on Thursday and entry is £3 adults with everybody else going free. The T Bar and the Robins Bar will both be open.
