The top two in the Southern Combination League Under 23 West Division meet at the Beacon as second placed Hassocks host first placed Horsham YMCA.
YM currently lead the way, three points ahead of the Robins but having played a game more. The visitors have seven wins, one draw and two defeats to their name so far this season.
Hassocks meanwhile know that victory will take them back to the top of the table. Nigel Pearce’s side haven’t played a league for six weeks owing to cup commitments and postponements, their last outing in the West Division seeing a crucial three points secured when beating third placed Lancing 3-2 at the Beacon.
Since then, they’ve been eliminated from the Sussex Under 23 Challenge Cup after a 4-2 defeat against Bostik League side Hastings United but made safe progress to round three of the League Cup via a 6-0 hammering dished out to Peacehaven & Telscombe a fortnight ago.
YM’s last game also saw them defeat Lancing via a 2-1 victory that took them above Hassocks and to the top of the table. Before that, they’d suffered a shock reversal at Mile Oak with their other defeat so far this season coming on the opening day in 7-5 thriller away at Midhurst & Easebourne.
The sides shared one win apiece in their meetings last season. Hassocks won 2-1 away at Gorings Mead in September thanks to goals from Sean Rayland and Max Willcox.
The home fixture at the Beacon was decided in YM’s favour by the same scoreline with Willcox again netting. That defeat all but ended Hassocks’ hopes of lifting the title as they ended the campaign in second spot but some way adrift of champions Pagham.
Kick off at the Beacon for this eagerly anticipated clash is at 7.45pm and entrance is priced at £3 for adults with everybody else going free. Both the Robins Bar and the T Bar will be open to cater for your alcohol and hot food and drink needs.
Please keep an eye on both the website and our social media accounts for any news of a postponement. The pitch has recovered relatively well from Storm Diana last week but further rain throughout the day could complicate things.
