Robins return to the Oval to face high-flying United
Hassocks return to the Oval for the second attempt to get their Southern Combination League Premier Division match with Eastbourne United completed.
Last month’s visit had to be abandoned inside of 30 minutes after United striker Tony Halsey suffered a double leg fracture.
The good news is that Tony’s subsequent operation went well and a GoFundMe page raised more than £2000 to support him, his fiancé and their new born baby whilst Tony is off work recovering. The Robins players and management contributed, as did several Hassocks fans in the true spirit of non league.
Entry for Tuesday nights game will be by donation with all the gate money again going to Tony. Those making the journey are likely to be in for an entertaining evening with just one point and two places separating United and Hassocks in the increasingly tight battle for a top six finish.
Eastbourne United this season
Former AFC Uckfield Town manager Anthony Storey was appointed as United boss following a slow start to the 2021-22 season and there has been no looking back from there really.
United climbed from the fringes of the relegation battle to a final finishing position of fifth, their highest since being crowned champions in 2008-09.
They have continued in that vein this season with 16 wins, eight draws and six defeats. There goals against total of 27 is the second-lowest in the division after local rivals Eastbourne Town.
Hassocks v Eastbourne United head-to-head
The Robins just about lead the head-to-head with 18 wins to United’s 14, leaving 13 draws from the 45 meetings between the clubs.
Hassocks’ record is helped hugely by the fact that they seemed to love visiting the Oval in the 2010s. The Robins won on all six visits they made through that decade, despite only finishing above United in the Premier Division standings once in that time.
Such happy times away against United are fast fading to memory with Hassocks’ last three visits ending in defeat – which becomes four if you include a 4-2 loss to Little Common when Common ground shared at the Oval.
Last time Hassocks played Eastbourne United
It was one of the more entertaining 0-0 draws you will see as both sides racked up and missed a glut of opportunities to come away with three points.
The Robins felt they should have been awarded a sixth minute penalty when Leon Turner was scythed down which could have led to a very different afternoon but ultimately the spoils being shared was the right result.
How to get to the Oval
Take the A27 to Eastbourne, joining the A22 when you reach the Sunshine Coast. Follow that until you reach the second roundabout, turning left onto Lottbridge Drove.
Turn right onto the A259 when you hit the roundabout by Homebase, then turn right into Channel View Road with the Oval a little further down on the right.
Kick off is at 7:45pm and as already mentioned, entry is by donation.
