There is a spot in the semi final of the Southern Combination League Under 23 Cup up for grabs on Thursday night as Hassocks welcome West Division rivals Midhurst & Easebourne to the Beacon.
The Robins are already in the midst of their best-ever run in the competition having never won a game in the previous three editions before this season. Their first ever victory in the cup came back in October, a 6-0 win over East Division outfit Peacehaven & Telscombe in the previous round.
There were two goals apiece at the Beacon that evening for James Littlejohn, Max Willcox and Tristan Hayes in what was a comfortable result in the end for the Robins.
Midhurst meanwhile advanced to the quarter finals after knocking off another side from the East Division, defeating Hailsham Town 5-4 in a game which required extra time to decide it, Thomas Merritt-Smith’s goal in the 114th minute eventually proving to be the winner.
The two sides have already met once this season in the league and it resulted in Hassocks’ biggest win of the campaign to date as they ran out 9-0 winners at the Beacon on matchday two.
Littlejohn enjoyed himself that day as well, notching four times along with a hat-trick from substitute George Galbraith-Gibbons and strikes from Max Willcox and Connor Bradley.
That result suggested that it could be a very fruitful season for the Robins, who currently top the table. The Stags meanwhile sit in 10th spot with just two victories to their name, a 2-1 success over Mile Oak and a highly impressive 7-5 win over Hassocks’ nearest pursuers, Horsham YMCA.
The victory over YM shows that despite their lowly league position, Midhurst remain dangerous opponents who are more than capable of springing an upset.
They’ll also come into the tie with more match sharpness than the Robins having been in action last Thursday while Hassocks haven’t played for a fortnight and just once since the turn of the year.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 7.45pm and entrance is £3 for adults with everybody else going free. All the normal facilities will be open with the T Bar serving hot food and drinks and the Robins Bar tending to all your alcohol needs.
