Hassocks and Little Common will be hoping that it’s third time lucky as they try to get their Southern Combination League Premier Division clash at the Beacon finally played.
The original tie had been due to take place back in November but was lost to a waterlogged pitch. It was a similar story for the rearranged fixture a few weeks later which again fell to the obscene amount of rainfall that Mid Sussex suffered from.
As a result, the Commoners now face a long journey to Mid Sussex on a Tuesday night in January. At least they’ll do it in good spirits, having enjoyed a fairly successful 2019-20 campaign so far.
Having survived their first ever season in the top flight reasonably comfortably in 2018-19, Common look to be a side on the up. Russell Eldridge’s talented squad have their eyes fixed firmly up the league this year with a position in the reaches of upper mid table well within their grasp at the halfway stage.
It’s the latest step in an upwards journey that shows no signs of abating. Before their elevation to the Premier Division just over a year ago, Common had seen destined to make it to the top table for some time.
They came close to promotion on several occasion since entering Division One in 2009 and were only denied a top flight place at the end of the 2016-17 season due to a controversial ground grading ruling after finishing as runners up.
A relaxation in ground sharing rules saw them become tenants at Eastbourne United’s Oval ground and that coupled with a barnstorming 2017-18 season in which they were crowned Division One champions saw them play Premier Division for the first time in their history.
Understandably, consolidation was the name of the game last time around and they had a solid campaign, never really being dragged into the dogfight at the bottom of the table and eventually finishing in 16th spot, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Player-manager Eldridge will be keen for progress to be made in 2019-20 and they’re going reasonably well so far, sitting in 13th spot with seven wins, fives draws and nine defeats coming from 21 games so far.
They also claimed the notable FA Cup scalp of Isthmian League side Three Bridges back in August on a run to the first qualifying round of the competition, their best ever performance. All this continues a remarkable climb for a club who were playing in the East Sussex League as recently as 2004.
Over the past 15 years, they’ve clambered through three divisions of the Southern Combination League and are no beginning to establish themselves as a Premier Division club.
The goals of Sam Cruttwell and Lewis Hole are certainly helping in that regard with Common’s dangerous strike duo having plundered 21 between them so far, although this game being rearranged from November could help the Hassocks cause as the Robins now won’t have to face Jamie Crone, who had scored 11 times before moving to Bexhill United.
Hassocks don’t have the best record against Common. There have been 13 previous meetings between the two clubs with the Robins winning on only three occasions. Three have ended in draws with Common winning the remaining seven.
Last season saw a 1-1 draw at the Beacon while the hosts ran out 4-2 winners at the Oval. That game down in Eastbourne was an afternoon to forget for Hassocks as they found themselves 4-0 down inside an hour with second half goals from Harvey Blake and Jake Lindsey preventing the scoreline being too embarrassing.
Kick off at the Beacon is at 7.45pm and entrance is £6 adults, £3 concessions and Under 16s go free. The Robins Bar will be open, as will the T Bar for hot food and drink.
Any news of a pitch inspection or postponement will be posted first on our social media feeds, so please keep an eye on them.
