11th annual fundraiser for St Peter & St James takes between Hassocks and Burgess Hill Town
Hassocks and Burgess Hill Town face off in the annual highlight of pre-season with the Ann John Trophy taking place at the Beacon this Saturday.
More than £13,000 has been raised for St Peter & St James Hospice over the past decade in memory of Ann, the much-missed wife of Hassocks president Dave.
The entertainment on the pitch has been nearly as impressive as the money donated off it. All 10 previous Ann John Trophy games have contained at least three goals, the majority admittedly scored by Burgess Hill.
That has enabled the Hillians to be the dominant side in the fixture, taking the silverware back to the Homecall Carpets Community Stadium for the past six years in a row.
Last season saw Hill run out comfortable 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Rob O’Toole, Reggie Ward and Lewis Finney
Hassocks came close to taking the trophy off the Hillians in 2022 when a controversial late penalty gave the visitors a 2-1 victory.
Mike Williamson made a tackle which appeared neither a foul nor inside the box, only for the visitors to be awarded a spot kick. Lewis Finney duly despatched to secure a 2-1 victory for Hill.
A Trialist had given the Hillians a first half lead cancelled out by a Jack Troak penalty shortly after the interval.
2021 saw the Hillians rack up a big 6-0 victory. Max Miller hit a hat-trick, Martyn Box an excellent free kick whilst the other two goals came from former Robins.
George Brown notched one whilst the other came from a certain Pat Harding. Super Pat will be watching from the director’s box this year having become Hassocks chairman earlier in the summer.
2020 saw the Ann John Trophy take place in December as Covid-19 restrictions meant fans could not attend matches during pre-season.
The importance of the game to both clubs was evidenced by a record-breaking amount being raised despite the cold and the Clubhouse being closed.
That was the good news. The bad news was that Hassocks were easily swept aside, losing 8-1 to a strong Hillians outfit.
Harding, Aaron Smith-Joseph, Connor Tighe (2), Samson Doherty, Nathan Cooper, Miller and Tom Chalaye all scored. Troak got the Hassocks consolation.
The Robins led twice in the 2019 edition, only for Hill to come from behind to eventually run out 3-2 winners.
Phil Johnson gave Hassocks a lead cancelled out by Warren Mfula. A rare Will Broomfield goal put the Robins back ahead, only for Tom Cadman to level.
A draw looked on the cards with the trophy therefore shared right up until the 88th minute when Mfula notched his second of the evening to win it for the Hillians.
Burgess Hill won 4-0 in 2018 thanks to a brace from Smith-Joseph, a Kieron Pamment penalty and a Billy Barker tap in.
The 2017 edition was the last time Hassocks had one hand on the trophy, a 3-3 draw providing arguably the most entertaining game so far for the neutrals.
Current Robins head coach James Westlake scored twice alongside Michael Death to have the Robins 3-0 up going into half time.
Hill through launched a sensational comeback capped by former Hassocks favourite Sam Fisk grabbing a later equaliser.
The Robins’ only outright Ann John Trophy win so far came in 2016. Jamie Hillwood, Liam Benson and Craig Knowles were in the goals as Mark Dalgleish and Phil Wickwar saw their Hassocks outfit beat a young Burgess Hill side 3-0.
Hill took the lead twice in 2015 through Harding and Lee Harding, only for Jake Booth and Hillwood to equalise as it finished 2-2.
The first match in 2014 also ended in a 2-2 draw. Johnson and Dan Jacques netted for Hassocks, the latter’s being an absolute screamer from 30 yards.
Jacques ran off celebrating whilst producing a high-pitch scream which set dogs as far away as Albourne berserk in one of the more memorable Ann John Trophy moments.
Both Hassocks and Burgess Hill will come into the game in good form. The Robins have racked up 18 goals in their past three matches against Southern Combination Division One opponents Alfold, Forest Row and Montpelier Villa.
Hassocks also have an impressive 2-2 draw against Isthmian League Premier side Whitehawk to their name, who play one division above the Hillians.
Hill meanwhile gave a talented Brighton & Hove Albion Under 18s a real test on Tuesday night before succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against the professionals.
The Hillians kicked off their friendly schedule by hammering Montpelier Villa 10-0, followed by a close-fought 1-0 defeat at home to Hartley Whitney.
Kick off at the Beacon on 3pm and admission is via donation with everything raised on the night going to St Peter & St James.
The T Bar will be open serving hot and cold food and the Dave John Lounge has been fully stocked with a wide range of beers. Dogs are welcome.
