Robins in first round proper of competition for first time since 2014
Hassocks will travel to Bedfont Sports for their first appearance in the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Vase for nine years.
The draw was made earlier today, sending the Robins to West London to face the Combined Counties League Premier Division North outfit.
Bedfont Recreation Ground is located at the end of Heathrow’s southern runway, making it a popular venue for football watchers and plane spotters.
Hassocks have met the Sports on one previous occasion. Dave John took his Robins side to the Recreation Ground for an FA Cup preliminary qualifying round tie in August 2020.
Bedfont were an Isthmian League side at the time and Hassocks gave a good account of themselves before going down 3-1 to their higher league hosts.
Jordan Espirit scored twice for the Sports along with Darryl Sanders. Charlie Pitcher provided the Hassocks consolation just past the hour mark.
Bedfont were only established as a Saturday side in 2002, having previously played Sunday League. Their rise through the pyramid over the past two decades has been remarkable, culminating in several seasons of Isthmian League football.
That spell at step four came to an end at the completion of last season, when Bedfont were relegated back to the Combined Counties.
The Sports currently sit seventh having won three, drawn two and lost two of their seven Premier Division North matches so far.
Bedfont reached the first round of the FA Vase with a very impressive 5-0 win away at Hillingdon Borough. Their best performance in the competition saw them reach the third round in 2016-17 before defeat to Crowborough Athletic.
Hassocks booked their place via a thrilling 5-4 win at Combined Counties Premier South side Sheerwater on Saturday.
The last time the Robins reached this stage of the competition came in the 2014-15 campaign. Two goals from Phil Johnson and one from Nathan Miles secured a 3-1 win over Corinthian, followed by a 7-0 defeat against Ashford United in the second round.
Hassocks will visit the Recreation Ground on Saturday 21st October, kick off at 3pm.
