It’s a huge Sunday for Hassocks Ladies this weekend as they host Montpelier Villa at the Beacon in the semi finals of the Sussex Women’s Challenge Trophy.
The Robins have never reached the final of the County Cup competition before, so victory against their Sussex County Women’s League visitors would represent an historic moment for the club.
Both sides come into the game having enjoyed excellent seasons so far. Villa are fifth in their league, six points behind leaders AFC Littlehampton – who Hassocks beat 3-1 in the quarter finals of this competition before Christmas – but with a game in hand and having lost just twice.
Hassocks meanwhile sit top of Division One of the South East Counties Women’s League having won a remarkable 10 games out of 10 so far. Martin Lee’s side haven’t tasted defeat since elimination from the FA Cup back in September by Islington Borough.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides, with Villa’s Ladies team only being founded in 2016. To have reached a County Cup semi final within three seasons is remarkable progress and they’ll provide a stiff test for the Robins at the Beacon.
Kick off is at the slightly earlier time of 1.30pm to cater for the prospect of extra time and penalties and entry to the Beacon is free.
The Under 18s take to the field before the Ladies game as the young Robins welcome Rottingdean Village in Central Division action.
Hassocks are unbeaten since the turn of the year and will be looking to maintain that record against the side bottom of the table as they attempt to hang onto the coat tails or undefeated leaders Haywards Heath Town.
Brad Sweetman’s side racked up their biggest win of the season against Rottingdean back in October, winning 8-1 away from home.
Tristan Hayes, Jack Baden and Josh Sandilands all scored braces with the other two goals at Rottingdean Sports Centre coming from Jordan Fowler and Yahya Azizi.
The visitors are enduring a miserable season so far. They currently sit bottom of the table without so much as a point and having conceded 88 goals in nine games.
Entrance to that one is also free with kick off at 11am.
