Robins travel to Withdean Stadium for first game of new year
The new year gets underway for Hassocks with the short hop over Clayton Hill and down the A23 to Withdean Stadium to face AFC Varndeanians.
It will be the third meeting of the season between the sides. The first ended in a 0-0 draw in the first round of the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup with the Robins winning the resulting penalty shootout.
That was back in August. The second took place a month later and saw Hassocks win 5-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the Southern Combination Premier Division campaign.
Hassocks will come into the tie in good spirits having beaten Shoreham 3-1 away from home last time out. Varndeanians meanwhile will be looking to bounce back from a 6-2 defeat at league leaders Newhaven.
AFC Varndeanians this season
AFC Varndeanians have completed their now-annual managerial change, this time in late November with Lawrence Edwards returning to the hotseat.
A Varndeanians stalwart who has captained the club, he had a previous brief spell in temporary charge during Covid-19.
The wet weather of December means Edwards has only taken charge of four matches so far. The Vs have won two of those, picking up excellent victories on the road at Bexhill United and Saltdean United.
Those results have lifted Varndeanians into 16th spot, some seven points clear of the bottom two. With confidence high and the new manager bounce, Varndeanians will be dangerous opponents for the Robins.
AFC Varndeanians v Hassocks head-to-head
The sides only met for the first time in senior football when Varndeanians were promoted into the Premier Division in 2021, since when there have been seven meetings.
Five have come in the league, one in the Peter Bentley League Cup and one in the RUR Cup. Hassocks have won four of those matches, Varndeanians two leaving one draw.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Varndeanians
It was that aforementioned 5-0 league win for Hassocks at the Beacon in September. Sean Stephenson opened the scoring on 17 minutes, shortly after switching flanks with Alfie Loversidge.
The tactical adjustment from James Westlake bore further fruit when Loversidge made it 3-0 two minutes before half time. Three minutes earlier and Alex Fair had doubled the Robins’ advantage.
Into the second half and a Liam Benson brace rounded off a five-start showing for Hassocks, securing what remains the Robins’ biggest win of the campaign.
How to get to Withdean Stadium
It is quite possibly the easiest journey of the season for Hassocks fans. Straight over Clayton Hill, down the A23 and into Brighton.
The ground is well signposted from London Road as you head towards the city centre, but just in case you miss the signs, turn right opposite Withdean Park and head up Tongdean Lane. Parking is then available immediately in front of you.
Please note that kick off is at the earlier time of 2pm.
