Hassocks end their run of four consecutive home games with the visit of fellow strugglers Premier Division strugglers Loxwood to the Beacon.
For two clubs that aren’t particularly close geographically, there are plenty of links tying the Robins and the Magpies together and historically, that has made for entertaining encounters.
None more so than our last meeting in Mid Sussex back in February, which must rank as one of the craziest afternoons the Beacon has ever witnessed in the 27 years its been open for.
Loxwood had gone into half time 3-0 ahead thanks to goals from Mark Goldson, Sam Karl and former Hassocks favourite Eddie French.
And yet within 11 minutes of the second half, the Robins had scored three of their own to level things up. Mark Dalgleish introduced Spencer Slaughter and George Brown at the break and they were both on target alongside Harvey Enticknap in a game that finished 3-3.
Since that day, Slaughter has swapped the Beacon for Plaistow Road, following in the footsteps of French which means that Loxwood can count two of the best and most popular Hassocks youth team products of all time among their number, although French is yet to feature this season.
Loxwood boss Alex Walsh also signed another former Robin in the summer with Josh Hawkes now part of the Magpies’ squad. Hawkes and Slaughter have both been struggling with injuries in recent weeks but Walsh told the West Sussex County Times that they could be available for selection this weekend.
If they are, then they are both sure to receive a great reception from home faithful. The familiar faces don’t end there either as the Robins have a couple of ex-Magpies in their squad with Harvey Enticknap and Lewis Westlake both having represented Loxwood.
Enticknap was part of the all-conquering Loxwood youth team of several seasons ago while Westlake spent time at Plaistow Road last season after leaving Lancing a few weeks into the campaign.
Fast forward to this season and both sides will be targeting maximum points from this fixture as they bid to pull away from the bottom of the table.
Hassocks’ season so far has been a case of making some excellent progress in cup competitions but not so much in the league. It’s been a similar story for Loxwood, who’ve tasted victories in the FA Vase, RUR Cup and most impressively the Peter Bentley League Cup where they became the first opponents to win at high-flying Broadbridge Heath’s new High Wood Hill ground.
They’re yet to win in the Premier Division however and come into the game in 17th spot in the table, one place higher than Hassocks. If they bring their knockout form into the league, then they can be dangerous opponents for anyone on their day – which should sound familiar to Hassocks fans.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 3pm and entrance is priced at £6 adults, £3 concessions and Under 16s go free. The Robins Bar will be serving alcohol throughout the afternoon, and those in attendance will be in for a real treat if Phil Johnson and Harvey Blake are serving again in the continued absence of our bar manager Owen John, who is making good progress on his 200 mile run charity run across Iceland. The T Bar will also have hot food and drink.
