To say it has been an interesting week or so for Hassocks would be a slight understatement.
Seven days ago, the Robins suffered a club-record home defeat when losing 8-0 against Horley Town at the Beacon. They then followed that up on Tuesday by going to Gorings Mead – a ground where Hassocks had not won a league game for 17 years – and triumphing 3-1 against Horsham YMCA.
Two pieces of history, one unwanted and one very welcome. There are not many clubs who could veer from such a low to such a high in the space of 72 hours – and yet Hassocks regularly manage it.
The only thing you can ever say with certainty when it comes to the Robins is that it won’t be dull. What can possibly happen to top all that when Langney Wanderers come to Mid Sussex?
Langney Wanderers this season
It was an unexpectedly busy summer for Langney Wanderers. They lost manager Simon Colbran with pre-season set to begin, but moved quickly to appoint one of the best young managers in the county in Alex Walsh.
Colbran did a fine job at the helm last season, building on the work done by Kenny McCreadie, who kept Wanderers in the Premier Division in the first ever campaign in the top flight in 2018-19.
Langney were in ninth position when the 2019-20 season was curtailed and looking well placed for a top 10 finish; an outstanding achievement for a club who were only formed 11 years earlier as a Sunday League side.
They have found this season harder going so far, but given the dramas and upheaval that came with Colbran’s departure, that perhaps should not come as a surprise.
The new man at the helm Walsh famously kept Loxwood up in 2018-19 from a seemingly hopeless position, playing an exciting brand of football following his appointment.
Spells on the coaching staff at Haywards Heath Town and Worthing added to his bourgeoning reputation and there was no shortage of interest before Langney swooped to get their man.
Wanderers will arrive in Mid Sussex with one win and one draw to their name so far in the league, beating Alfold and drawing with Lingfield. Their cup form has been excellent however as they have gone toe-to-toe with opponents from leagues often considered stronger than the Southern Combination.
Wanderers eliminated Tower Hamlets from the FA Cup before drawing with Harrow Borough, who needed penalties to win through at Priory Lane. They then beat local rivals Eastbourne United in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase to set up an away tie at Epsom & Ewell, where spot kicks again saw Wanderers eliminated.
If Walsh and his players can bring their cup form into the league, then they will surely not sit in such a lowly position in the table for too long.
Hassocks’ record against Langney Wanderers
Before the 2018-19 season, Hassocks had never faced Langney in a competitive game in senior football. In the past two seasons, the clubs have since met five times – and it would have been six had the pandemic not got in the way last March.
The frequency of the fixture is thanks to the teams being paired together in both the FA Cup and the Peter Bentley League Cup last season. There was one win apiece in those competitions with Langney winning the only Premier Division meeting between the two last season.
With a pair of score draws from the 2018-19 season, the overall head-to-head reads one Hassocks win, two Langney wins and two draws.
Last time Hassocks played Langney Wanderers
That came last October in the League Cup at the Beacon. Langney had visited Mid Sussex only one week earlier, winning 4-0 in the league but Hassocks gave a much better account of themselves seven days later in losing 4-2.
The game had been locked at 2-2 entering the final five, Jamie Hillwood and Ben Bacon scoring for the Robins and Joe Summerbell and Ali Mekawir for our visitors. Extra time was looming until late goals from Dan Blackmore and Max Holloborne sent Wanderers into round three.
Important information for fans attending Hassocks v Langney Wanderers
It is pay on the gate at the Beacon with entrance priced at £6 adults, £3 concessions and under 16s free. We are now accepting contactless payments at the turnstiles and in the clubhouse.
Upon entry, we need to collect supporters’ details for track and trace reasons. If you have the relevant app, you can scan a QR code on your phone upon entry. If not, then please fill in the contact form when you arrive at the ground.
Once inside the ground, supporters are asked to maintain social distancing at all times. The clubhouse is operating a one way system: entrance is through the pitchside doors between the dugouts and exit is via the doors by the turnstiles.
Supporters are asked to wear masks inside unless they are eating or drinking or are medically exempt. The Robins Bar is well stocked with lots of craft beer and the T Bar will be open for hot food, teas and coffees. Our 36 page colour matchday programme will be on sale for £1.
