Spelthorne Sports visit the Beacon in the World’s Greatest Cup Competition
The magic of the FA Cup comes to the Beacon as Combined Counties outfit Spelthorne Sports provide the opposition in the extra preliminary round of the competition.
It will be Hassocks’ first competitive game of the season in front of their home fans. Last week’s scheduled opening fixture of the season was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch after a biblical rain shower pummelled the village 90 minutes before kick off against Broadbridge Heath.
That cancellation meant that the Robins faced the daunting task of kicking off their Southern Combination Premier Division campaign away at Saltdean United on Tuesday night.
The Tigers had been top of the league last season prior to curtailment back in December. If anything, they look even stronger for 2021-22, proving far too good for Hassocks when running out 6-0 winners at Hill Park.
At the same time, Spelthorne Sports were getting their own Combined Counties Premier Division North campaign underway at home to Southall.
It was not a good evening for the Spelly either, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat, leaving both Hassocks and their Saturday visitors looking to get their first win on the board at the second attempt at the Beacon.
Whoever manages to do so will face a trip to either AFC Varndeanians or Farnham Town in the preliminary qualifying round.
Spelthorne Sports last season
A whirlwind 15 years has taken Spelthorne from intermediate football into the top flight of the Combined Counties League and were it not for the pandemic, they might be even higher up the pyramid.
Spelthone were enjoying a fine time in the Premier Division last season, sitting third when the campaign was curtailed with nine wins, two draws and four defeats from 15 matches.
The Combined Counties is often considered a stronger competition than the Southern Combination, so this is an extremely tough draw for Hassocks.
For some context, Sutton Common Rovers – who were promoted from the Combined Counties last season – won 6-0 at the Beacon in a pre-season friendly two weeks ago.
Hassocks v Spelthorne Sports head-to-head
There has been only one previous meeting between Hassocks and Spelthorne. It came in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase back in the 2017-18 season and it was not a good experience for the Robins either, Spelly running out comfortable 3-0 winners…
Last time Hassocks played Spelthorne Sports
Because we are sadists, we will take you through that afternoon again. Matt Weston was the star of the show as he was responsible for all three Spelthorne goals.
Mark Dalgleish’s Robins were left ruing a controversial refereeing decision for goal one when Weston appeared to kick the ball out of Nathan Stroomberg’s hands. An unlucky deflection off Tom Barnes from a Weston shot led to goal number two.
Goal number three meanwhile saw the home defence do a disappearing act Lord Lucan would have been proud of, leaving Jordan Badger to face three attackers including the impressive Weston alone. Spelly took full advantage, playing around Badger to tee up Weston who beat Stroomberg.
Admission prices and matchday information
Admission prices are £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. The Clubhouse will be open for supporters with the Robins Bar selling a wide range of beers from local breweries and beyond and the T Bar catering for hot food and drink. Contactless payments are available on the gate and in the Clubhouse.
Although all Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted, track and trace barcodes will still be available for those who wish to use them.
Masks are no longer mandatory inside but please wear one if you prefer. All two metre signage remains as a guide for those who wish to continue practicing social distancing. Hand sanitiser will also be provided around the ground.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Beacon.
