Robins host Heath looking to build on their first point of their season
A first point of the season Tuesday followed by a first three points of the season on Saturday? Hassocks will certainly be hoping that is the case as they welcome Broadbridge Heath to the Beacon in what is a fourth consecutive home game for the Robins.
This fixture was originally due to be the season curtain raiser until rainfall of biblical proportions hit Hassocks just 90 minutes before kick off. With standing water deposited all over the surface, the match official had no choice but to postpone the match.
A quick-fire rearrangement three weeks later was made possible by both clubs being eliminated from the FA Cup at the extra preliminary round. So whilst many Premier Division clubs are involved in the world’s greatest cup competition, the Robins and the Bears catch up their game in hand.
Broadbridge Heath last season
Heath were one of the first sides in the Southern Combination League to be impacted by Covid-19 back in September 2020, having to forfeit an FA Cup tie with Haywards Heath Town and sit out matches for two weeks after a positive test among their squad.
That disruption resulted in a slow start to season. The Bears went winless in the first month of the 2020-21 campaign, scoring just twice and conceding 14 goals in their opening three matches.
In mid-October though, something clicked for Simmons and his players they racked up a series of impressive results to move away from the bottom three by the time the December lockdown arrived, including six points from Hassocks.
Hassocks v Broadbridge Heath head-to-head
Heath are one of the few teams who Hassocks have faced across all three divisions of the Southern Combination League over the past 35 years.
There is not much to separate the sides when it comes to the head-to-head with the Robins having won nine of the 25 meetings and Heath 11, leaving five draws.
Recent clashes with the Bears have not been too kind to Hassocks, however. The Robins have won just two of the previous 11 matches. Their most recent victory came in October 2017, a 3-2 success thanks to goals from James Westlake, Bradley Bant and Charlie Pitcher.
You have to go back to the 2015-16 season to find the other three points in that barren sequence. Bant was again on the scoresheet alongside Jonno Melia in a 2-0 win at Heath’s former home of the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.
Last time Hassocks played Broadbridge Heath
Heath were the last club to visit the Beacon for a regular Premier Division fixture last season, making the trip to Mid Sussex three weeks before Christmas 2020.
A fiery clash warmed up a freezing cold Tuesday evening in which more cards were flashed than the Royal Mail delivered over the seasonal period.
Andy Whittingham and the Bears’ Alfie Jones both saw red whilst Hassocks achieved the impressive feat of having all three substitutes booked in amongst a flurry of yellows for both sides.
The points were decided by Mark Zydonik’s first half goal, tapped into an unguarded net from a rebound after Charlie Pugh had done well to keep out Ollie Joels’ free header from a Jamie Robinson corner.
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 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 and 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.
