The third attempt to get Hassocks’ first ever visit to Alfold played will now take place on Tuesday 21st January with a 7.45pm kick off at Alfold Recreation Ground.
Twice so far the game has fallen to the weather. The original fixture had been scheduled to take place on Saturday 9th November but a late deluge of rain hit Alfold in the run up to kick off, leaving the matchday referee with no choice but to postpone the game at 2.50pm, just 10 minutes before kick off.
It was then rescheduled for Tuesday 4th December, but that game too was postponed – setting up a January Tuesday night trip to Surrey for the Robins.
Alfold are making a good impression on the top flight in their debut campaign at this level. They have won seven, drawn three and lost four of their 14 games so far to sit in an extremely comfortable mid table position.
Survival is the name of the game for the Fold this year following their rapid ascent through the non league pyramid. As recently as the 2014-15 season, Alfold were plying their trade in the West Sussex League.
Three promotions in the subsequent four seasons have taken them from Division Two to the Premier Division in what has been a whirlwind last few years for the club.
Last season was their debut in senior football and they took to it like a duck to water, breezing through Division One at the first time of asking.
They ended the campaign as champions, showing remarkable consistency over the course of the year to beat Steyning Town to the title.
There were big strides forward taken off the pitch as well. Their Alfold Recreation Ground on Dunsfold Road in the village had a new stand and LED floodlights installed as well as perimeter pathways and fencing.
Work that should have taken around two years to complete was done in around six months, highlighting the extraordinary dedication of those behind the scenes at Alfold to achieving their dream of Premier Division football.
The new date means that Hassocks will face a gruelling January schedule of five games in four weeks – having only played once in the past 21 days.
That run starts with Saturday’s game against Pagham before a trip to Lancing a week later. On Tuesday 14th, Little Common come to the Beacon in another rearranged tie. Four days later and Eastbourne Town visit the Beacon before the trip to Alfold slots in at the end of January.
There are still two further games to be rearranged – the home fixture with Steyning Town that had been due to take place on December 21st followed by the trip to Saltdean United which was postponed on Boxing Day.
The likelihood is that both of those games will take place in February, but please keep an eye on our website and for updates as and when we have them.
