The 2019-20 season began with defeat for Hassocks on what was an historic occasion at the New Defence as Horley Town played their first ever game in the Southern Combination League.
Anthony Jupp’s Clarets had been moved sideways from the Combined Counties League in the summer having finished their 2018-19 campaign in 10th spot.
Given that the Combined Counties is traditionally a stronger league than its Sussex counterpart, Horley were subsequently being touted in some quarters as dark horses for the title.
They underlined those credentials with a 2-0 opening day victory, although Hassocks were at times their own worst enemy.
An own goal from the unfortunate Andy Whittingham gave Horley the lead inside of three minutes and Ryan Brackpool wrapped things up with a 77th minute header after escaping the attentions of Jack Rowe-Hurst a little too easily at a corner.
Hassocks were lacklustre going forward, which came as a surprise after a pre-season campaign in which they’d scored freely against their Isthmian League neighbours Burgess Hill Town and Haywards Heath Town, losing 3-2 and 4-3 respectively to goals in the final five minutes in both those friendlies.
The Robins returned to that pre-season form in their second game of the season when East Preston came to the Beacon three days after the defeat at Horley.
Dave Crouch gave EP the lead with the visitors’ first attempt on 16 minutes but Hassocks came roaring back as Jack Troak, a summer signing from Lewes, marked his home debut with an equaliser just before the break.
Hassocks hit the bar three times before Phil Johnson hit what proved to be the winner with 15 minutes remaining. EP had no answer to Johnson all evening and that culminated in a crude tackle on the Robins’ talisman in the closing stages.
Although Johnson tried to battle on, he eventually hobbled off with two minutes remaining. X-rays later confirmed that Johnson had broken a bone in his leg, a huge blow to Mark Dalgleish with the season just two games old. Johnson wouldn’t be seen again until December.
Hassocks’ first game without their 27 goal top scorer of the previous campaign came against Langney Wanderers in the FA Cup.
The Robins hadn’t won in the world’s greatest cup competition for six years but they duly righted that with a 2-0 success over their previously unbeaten Premier Division rivals.
Both the goals arrived in the final 25 minutes. Rowe-Hurst notched the first with a stunning drive from the edge of the area despite the shouts of “No, don’t shoot” from the Hassocks bench.
Matt Berridge added the second with 10 left to play, finishing off a sweeping passing move as Hassocks counter attacked with purpose.
James Littlejohn, Rowe-Hurst and Troak were all involved before Berridge notched. Troak meanwhile had caused great amusement when he arrived at the Beacon having fallen for the old joke that players must wear a suit and tie for FA Cup matches.
A week later and Hassocks went to Horsham YMCA, picking up a highly credible point against the previous season’s runners up.
The Robins left it late, Ben Bacon’s equaliser in a 2-2 draw arriving with just four minutes remaining at Gorings Mead.
It was Bacon’s first appearance since re-joining the club from Steyning Town as Dalgleish sought to fill the gap left by Johnson’s injury.
Harvey Blake had given Hassocks a first half lead with an absolute rocket from 30 yards. Dean Lovegrove and Martin Smith were the YM scorers in 11 second half minutes either side of half time before Bacon struck his leveller.
Hassocks were next faced with a Tuesday night trip to Pagham which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Lewis Jenkins’ 81st minute winner.
Four days later and the Robins went to Isthmian League outfit Chipstead in the Preliminary Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, where a memorable rear-guard performance earned a 0-0 draw and a September replay at the Beacon.
On their way home from that excellent result at High Road, one of the stranger moments of the season occurred.
The squad decided to stop off at a pub in Coulsdon to celebrate the first time that a Hassocks side had managed to avoid defeat against an opponent from a higher level since 2006.
What nobody had considered was the reaction of the locals in Crystal Palace territory to 20 men walking into a bar wearing tracksuits emblazoned with the name of Brighton and Hove Albion fan site WeAreBrighton.com, one of Hassocks’ sponsors.
Hassocks managed to escape the pub in one piece despite a hostile reception and a lot of abuse from the locals.
Less than 48 hours later, the Robins were back on the pitch again for an August Bank Holiday Monday clash with early Premier Division leaders Lancing.
The Lancers arrived at the Beacon with a 100% record, but Hassocks really should have ended their perfect start.
The Robins’ performance was deserving of a share of the spoils and when referee Daniel Cooper pointed to the penalty spot with four minutes to play and Lancing leading 2-1, they had a golden opportunity to claim it.
Unfortunately, Bacon saw his spot kick kept out by the visitors’ outstanding young goalkeeper Taylor Seymour.
James Littlejohn had earlier given Hassocks a 60th minute lead. Lancing substitute Alex Fair’s three minute brace proved enough to win it for Naim Rouane’s table toppers.
The Under 23s got their season underway with two fixtures in August as Dave John took charge of a new look side for the first time.
Many of the squad who had delivered back-to-back West Division runners up finishes under Nigel Pearce had left for St Francis Rangers and a crack at first team football with the Division Two side.
In a busy summer of rebuilding, John replaced the departed by promoting many of the Hassocks Under 18s side who won the treble under him two seasons earlier. As a result, a transition season seemed on the cards for a very young looking Robins squad.
West Division newcomers Oakwood provided the opposition in John’s first game in charge, winning 2-1 at the Beacon through two goals from Josh Neathey. George Galbraith-Gibbons notched the Hassocks consolation.
A week later and the Robins spoiled Broadbridge Heath Under 23’s first game at their new home by winning 2-1 at High Wood Hill.
Kyle Sim gave the Bears the lead with 22 minutes player before late goals from substitute Jake Atherton and Joe Bull gave John his first three points at the helm.
