Hassocks make shortest away trip of the season to Withdean Stadium
Hassocks head over Clayton Hill and down the A23 on their shortest away day of the season to take on AFC Varndeanians at Withdean Stadium.
It is the trip the Robins have liked making in recent seasons. Their past two visits to the former home of Brighton & Hove Albion have returned six points.
A quick look at both the Southern Combination Premier Division table and form guide will tell you Hassocks are likely to face a sterner test on this occasion.
AFC Varndeanians this season
Varndeanians appointed former captain and club stalwart Lawrence Edwards to his second spell in charge last November.
Edwards successfully led the Vs to Premier Division survival and they currently sit ninth in the table so far this season with five wins, one draw and four defeats from 10 matches.
That lofty position is largely down to the run of four consecutive victories which Varndeanians are on. Lingfield, Pagham and high-flying duo Crawley Down Gatwick and Loxwood have all been defeated in that sequence.
Varndeanians also have a Sussex Senior Cup tie against Brighton Under 21s to look forward to on Wednesday night; a game which is likely to prove intriguing for Seagulls supporters given the Albion’s history with Withdean.
AFC Varndeanians v Hassocks head-to-head
Hassocks and Varndeanians only met for the first time in senior football in 2021, since when there have been eight meetings.
Six have come in the Premier Division, one in the Peter Bentley League Cup and one in the RUR Cup. Hassocks have won five of the games, including completing a league double last season. Varndeanians have two wins to their name with one draw.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Varndeanians
The first game of 2024 took Hassocks to Withdean Stadium in Saturday January 6th for a 2-0 victory to get the new year off to the perfect start.
Mike Williamson scored a rare goal much to the surprise and delight of everyone with Super Pat Harding adding the second.
How to get to Withdean Stadium
We have already covered this, but straight over Clayton Hill, down the A23 and into Brighton. The ground is well posted from London Road as you head into Brighton.
Just in case you miss the signs, turn right opposite Withdean Park and head up Tongdean Lane. The car park to the right and up the hill.
An automated number plate recognition system is in place. Please register as per the carpark signs. The first three hours is free and there is then a £3 charge.
For those taking the train, it is a 10 minute journey from Hassocks to Preston Park. Withdean is another 10 minutes away by foot.
The main spectator entrance is near the 4G training pitches. There is no stadium access through The Sportsman Pub.
