Officials call off Bears encounter after biblical rain over Mid Sussex
Well, this is a new one. Hassocks may have written a piece of English footballing history by becoming the first team to have game postponed for a waterlogged pitch in July following the decision to call off the visit of Broadbridge Heath to the Beacon.
A torrential downpour of biblical proportions passed over Hassocks around 90 minutes before kick off on the opening day of the Southern Combination League Premier Division.
It deposited enough rain in 15 minutes to leave standing water all over the Beacon pitch, leading the match officials to take the decision to postpone the match.
We would like to apologise to anyone heading to Hassocks for the fixture. The nearest competitive fixture for any groundhoppers seeking an alternative is a 10 minute drive away at Withdean Stadium, where AFC Varndeanians host Littlehampton Town.
For those travelling by train, you can get off one stop down the line towards Brighton at Preston Park Station. Withdean is then a 10 minute walk.
As a result of the postponement, the Robins will now start their season at Saltdean United on Tuesday night. Kick off is 7:45pm at Hill Park against a Tigers outfit who had been top of the Premier Division table prior to the curtailment of the campaign.
Saltdean will provide tough opponents for Brad Sweetman in what will be his first game as Hassocks head coach. The Robins are yet to beat their hosts since Saltdean won promotion to the top flight ahead for the 2018-19 season.
The next game at the Beacon will take place next Saturday. Spelthorne Sports provide the opposition in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round at 3pm. Admission is £6 adults, £3 concessions and free for under 16s.
