Hassocks hoping to secure playoff spot on final day of season
The final game of the Southern Combination Premier Division season is here with Newhaven the visitors to the Beacon and plenty at stake.
A point for Hassocks will secure fifth place in the table and a spot in the promotion playoffs. Victory for Newhaven guarantees the Dockers finish as runners up to champions Steyning Town, giving them home advantage in their playoff semi and the final should they reach it.
With the Robins having never been remotely close to promotion to the Isthmian League before, it is no exaggeration to say this is probably the most important league game ever played at the Beacon.
Newhaven this season
The 2023-24 season represents the fourth time in seven completed campaigns that Newhaven have finished in the top four of the Premier Division.
Those placings previously came with no reward. The introduction of the playoffs, however, now gives them a chance of promotion to the Isthmian League.
The Dockers have lost only four Premier Division games all season, the same as Steyning. Their goals total is second only to the Barrowmen.
As a team which is difficult to beat and contains three of the leading scorers in the league – Alfie Rogers, Lee Robinson and Callum Edwards have over 60 goals between them – Newhaven will go into the playoffs as the favourites.
Winning them would represent the perfect way for long-serving joint managers Sean Breach and Andy Cook to celebrate a decade at the helm.
Hassocks v Newhaven head-to-head
The tough test Hassocks face against Newhaven is further underlined by the Robins’ head-to-head record with the Dockers.
Hassocks have won only four of the 21 meetings between the sides. Newhaven have 12 wins, leaving five draws.
The Robins most recent triumph in the fixture came in February 2019 at the Trafalgar Ground. Spencer Slaughter scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 success secured despite a red card for George Brown.
You have to go back to February 2016 to find the last time Hassocks defeated the Dockers at the Beacon. Michael Death scored a last minute winner as Mark Dalgleish and Phil Wickwar’s Robins equalled the club record of seven consecutive victories in senior football.
Last time Hassocks played Newhaven
The Robins returned from the Trafalgar Ground with a useful point when the sides last met back in October.
A soft penalty converted by Rogers gave Newhaven a 24th minute lead but it was short-lived, Super Pat Harding equalising just 60 seconds later.
Chances were at a premium after that and with no further goals, it finished 1-1.
Matchday information
Kick off is at 3pm and admission is £8 adults, £4 concessions and free for under 16s. Both card and cash payments are accepted on the turnstiles and in the Clubhouse.
The T Bar will be open serving hot food and drink, and the Robins Bar has a wide selection of craft beer from local breweries along with other alcohol. Dogs are welcome and a printed programme will be on sale for £1.
If using Google Maps to walk from Hassocks Station or the village, please do not take the footpath into Butcher’s Wood. There is no crossing point over the railway line or way of entering the Beacon.
Instead, follow Keymer Road towards Hurstpierpoint, turn left at Stonepound crossroads and walk down London Road towards the ground.
