Hassocks to host Haywards Heath Town in Emirates FA Cup
The draws for the opening rounds of the national cup competitions have been made, throwing Hassocks and Haywards Heath Town together for a Mid Sussex Derby in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Heath will visit the Beacon on Saturday 3rd August. It will be the first time ever the clubs have met in the world’s greatest cup competition and offers the Robins an early chance to try and score their first win over their local rivals in over 30 years.
Hassocks and Heath faced off three times last season. The Bluebells won both Southern Combination Premier Division fixtures, whilst it finished 2-2 in the third round of the Peter Bentley League Cup. Heath went onto advance on penalties.
The winners will be rewarded with a home tie in the preliminary round against either Roffey or Isthmian League South East outfit Deal Town on Saturday 17th August
Roffey eliminated Hassocks from the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup last season. The Robins have faced Deal only once before, a 2-0 defeat at the Charles Ground in the FA Vase first round of 2012-13.
Hassocks will enter the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday 24th August at the first qualifying round stage, welcoming Storrington to the Beacon.
The Swans won the Southern Combination Division Two title last season to return to senior football after a one-season absence.
Hassocks last played Storrington in the 2012-13 campaign, securing a 5-1 win in the Sussex Senior Cup. Robins supporters were treated to the rare sight of an Ashley Marsh goal at the Recreation Ground.
The winners will make the trip to Combined Counties Premier South side Horley Town in the second qualifying round on Saturday 21st September.
