Hassocks take their flying form to Withdean Stadium
Hassocks took their impressive run of form and impervious defensive record on the shortest away trip of the season, making the hop over Clayton Hill and down the A23 to face AFC Varndeanians at Withdean Stadium.
The Robins found themselves in a similar boat last season ahead of the trip to the former home of Brighton & Hove Albion.
They arrived at Withdean eyeing up three wins in a row for the first time in the campaign. Varndeanians were below Hassocks in the table but things did not go according to plan.
The hosts ran out 1-0 winner, boosting their hopes of pulling off a Great Escape from relegation; one that was ultimately successful despite Varndeanians failing to win any of their opening 25 games of the season.
AFC Varndeanians this season
2021-22 was the ultimate campaign of two halves for Varndeanians. That winless start was followed by a stunning upturn in form once Ryan Gayler returned to Withdean as manager.
From the foot of the table at Christmas, Varndeanians overhauled both East Preston and Loxwood to clamber out of the bottom two by the end of the season.
2022-23 has been far less dramatic, even with Gayler standing down in October. New boss Justin Jones has continued to consolidate Varndeanians as a Premier Division.
They have spent most of the campaign safely tucked into mid table, currently sitting 13th having won nine, drawn six and lost 15 of their 30 games so far.
Hassocks v AFC Varndeanians head-to-head
Last season was the first time the sides had met in competitive football at senior level. There have now been four matches with two wins apiece.
The old Hassocks III team used to cross swords with Vs far more regularly when they were known as Old Varndeanians during their Mid Sussex Football League days in the 2000s.
Easily the best clash from a Robins point-of-view came when Simon Maskell’s side pulled off a shock by winning the Montgomery Cup on penalties in 2004.
A young Hassocks 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
Tall striker Jamie Wilkes and top scorer Phil Johnson got the goals in a 2-0 Hassocks win at the Beacon back in October.
That meeting came one month after Varndeanians had eliminated the Robins by the same scoreline from the Peter Bentley League Cup.
How to get to Withdean Stadium
Straight over Clayton Hill, down the A23 and into Brighton. The ground is well sign posted from London Road as you head into Brighton.
If you do miss the signs, turn right opposite Withdean Park and head up Tongdean Lane. Football car parking is then available immediately in front of you.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission prices are £6 adults, £3 concessions and £1 for under 16s.
