Short journey for the Robins in first round of the prestigious competition
The first round of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup sends Hassocks on the short journey to fellow Southern Combination Premier Division side AFC Uckfield Town.
Having suffered a first league defeat of the campaign on Saturday at Eastbourne United, the trip to the Oaks gives the Robins a quick chance to bounce back.
Uckfield were themselves on the end of a three goal weekend loss, losing 4-1 away against Saltdean United.
They also had two men sent off and so will be looking to right those wrongs in a game where victory brings the possibility of drawing one of the big clubs of Sussex football in the next round of the competition.
AFC Uckfield Town this season
Steve Ives returned to the Oaks for a third spell as manager in the summer, replacing Jonny Elwood. A young squad had finished 16th under Elwood in 2022-23 but despite that lowly position, they were never really troubled by relegation.
The current campaign has yielded two wins and six defeats from eight Premier Division fixtures so far. Those victories came over AFC Varndeanians and Horsham YMCA, whilst Uckfield also saw off Saltdean in the Peter Bentley League Cup.
AFC Uckfield Town v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks have met AFC Uckfield on 21 previous occasions. Last season’s Premier Division double moved the Robins clear in the head-to-head with 11 wins compared to the Oaks’ nine, leaving only one draw between the sides.
That was a 2-2 thriller at the Beacon in August 2021. It might not be a game to put on your coupon, but it is one which normally delivers goals. 80 having been plundered at an average of nearly four per game.
There has been one previous Sussex Senior Cup clash. It came in the third round of the competition during the 2005-06 season, when AFC Uckfield were known as Wealden and playing in Division One of the Southern Combination League.
Two goals from Pat Harding, one from Graham Beveridge and an own goal secured a 4-1 win for Dave John’s Robins.
Hassocks would end up being eliminated from the competition at the quarter final stage that year after a brave performance at home to Horsham in which their Ryman League opponents needed extra time to progress.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Uckfield Town
A routine win for the Robins in the first game of 2023 at the Beacon back in January. James Westlake named all three of his senior strikers – Liam Benson, Phil Johnson and Pat Harding – in the same starting XI for the first time.
That positive team selection was rewarded with a 3-0 victory. Benson, JJ Minty and Joe Bull provided the goals.
How to get to the Oaks
Take the A272 followed by the A26 towards Uckfield before joining the B2102 into the town itself. Turn right at the t-junction, past the railway station and follow the road down the high street.
When the fork is reached, take the left hand option down Eastbourne Road with the ground being on the left by the Rajditt Restaurant.
Kick off is at 7:30pm.
