Hassocks host Southern Combination League title winners Broadbridge Heath
The Beacon opens its doors for the first time this pre-season with Hassocks hosting Southern Combination League champions Broadbridge Heath.
And if it is anywhere near as entertaining as the last time the Bears were in Mid Sussex, fans of both clubs will be in for a treat.
It was a pleasant Tuesday night back in September and the Robins and Heath put on a highly entertaining 3-3 draw in what was one the best quality matches seen at the Beacon for some time.
Lewis Croal fired the Bears ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock, only for Liam Benson to equalise three minutes later.
Next came Hassocks’ turn to take the lead, Jack Troak hitting a rocket from 30 yards which Heath goalkeeper Liam Matthews had no chance of keeping up.
The Robins led 2-1 up until the 71st minute when Tyler Symonds levelled. Croal added his second on 82 and judging by the reaction of some of the Heath substitutes, they thought that was it.
In keeping with a game which ebbed and flowed from one end to the other, Hassocks equalised for the second time almost straight from their kick off. Leon Turner broke and crossed for Benson to head home as it finished 3-3.
By the time the return took place at the Bodymould Community Stadium in January, Heath were in the thick of the promotion race.
First half efforts from Ryan Brackpool and Charlie Parmiter gave the Bears a two goal lead going into half time and although Phil Johnson pulled one back from penalty spot, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Fast forward three months and Heath were lifting the Southern Combination League title for the first time in their history, finishing three points ahead of Crawley Down Gatwick.
Promotion to the Isthmian League completes a remarkable rise for the Bears, who were playing intermediate football in Division Two of the Southern Combination as recently as 2012.
Three divisions have subsequently been climbed and that progress matched off-the-pitch, Heath moving from the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre into their own purpose built ground in 2019.
The Bears have played three friendlies so far in preparation for their debut campaign at step four. Ascot United were beaten 2-0 and Newhaven despatched 4-1 at the Trafalgar Ground. Heath then took on fellow Isthmian side South Park last Saturday, losing 3-0 at King George’s Field.
Hassocks have an identical record so far of two wins and a loss. The Robins have seen off Peckham Town 4-1 and Billingshurst 5-2, two sides from below them in the football pyramid. The defeat came on Monday night against Combined Counties Premier outfit Epsom & Ewell.
The Bears will be provide another tough examination for James Westlake and his players with the competitive action now just two weeks away from kicking off.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission is £5 adults, £2 concessions and free for under 16s. The T Bar and the Robins Bar will both be hoping serving hot and cold food and drink and alcohol respectively. Dogs are welcome.
