Forward joins Hassocks from fellow Southern Combination Premier Division club Newhaven
Hassocks have completed the signing of former Ipswich Town Under 18s player Sean Stephenson from fellow Southern Combination Premier Division club Newhaven.
Stephenson spent three years with the Tractor Boys, signing schoolboy forms in 2019 following a successful trial.
He then penned a two year academy contract in the summer of 2020, becoming part of Ipswich’s Under 18s squad.
In October 2021, Stephenson was given his first taste of senior football with a loan spell at Eastern Counties League Premier Division side Brantham Athletic.
He played five times for the the Blue Imps before injury brought his spell at Brantham Leisure Centre to an early end.
After leaving Ipswich, Stephenson signed for Isthmian League South East outfit Lancing for the 2022-23 campaign.
Stephenson made 12 league appearances for the Lancers as well as a number of outings in cup competitions during his time at Culver Road.
In January, he moved to Southern Combination table toppers Broadbridge Heath but with the Bears on their way to the Premier Division title, was unable to force his way into a winning team.
Stephenson turned out four times for Heath from the bench. He also played four times for the Bears’ Under 23s, scoring three goals in a more advanced role than the centre back position he filled with Ipswich.
Next came a move to Loxwood for the final few weeks of the 2022-23 campaign, where Stephenson grabbed two goals from his five matches playing as a forward.
The first of those ended up winning the Magpies Goal of the Season award, a superb volley assisted by former Robin Jake Lindsey in a 3-1 win over Saltdean United.
Stephenson’s second goal endeared him greatly to the Plaistow Road faithful as it came against local rivals Alfold, securing a 2-2 Easter Monday draw at the Elliott Scott Group Stadium.
Impressed by his form with Loxwood, Newhaven took Stephenson to the Trafalgar Ground in the summer to boost their attack.
He has started once for the Dockers and come off the bench three times, registering one assist when unselfishly playing in Alfie Rogers with a cheeky backheel for the final Newhaven goal in a 7-1 FA Cup Preliminary Qualifying Round win over Spelthorne Sports.
Welcome to the Beacon, Sean.
