Hassocks will be hoping that it’s a case of fourth time lucky as they attempt to play Southern Combination League Premier Division newcomers Alfold for the first time in senior football.
Kick off had been just 10 minutes away at Alfold Recreation Ground back in November when a late deluge of rain hit the Surrey village back in November, leaving the pitch suddenly unplayable with both teams ready and waiting to start.
The tie was then rearranged for a Tuesday evening in December but that too fell by the wayside, as did the third attempt last month. The Robins will now travel to Alfold Rec on Tuesday 3rd March with a 7.45pm kick off.
There won’t be long to wait for the second meeting between the clubs either – so many times has the game been postponed that it now falls just 11 days before Alfold come to the Beacon on Saturday 14th March.
The Fold are making a good impression on the top flight in their debut campaign at this level. They have won nine, drawn three and lost 11 of their 23 games so far to sit in an extremely comfortable mid table position of 12th.
Underpinning that solid form has been an excellent home record. Alfold Rec is already developing a reputation as one of the toughest places to go in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, with the Fold having lost just three times there in all competitions this season.
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 as their home 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.

