Robins aiming for two wins in 48 hours to kickstart their 2021-22 season
A first three points of the season via victory against Steyning Town on Saturday saw Hassocks make a good start to their August Bank Holiday weekend.
Less than 48 hours later, the Robins have a chance to put win number two of the season on the board as they host Lingfield at the Beacon.
Whilst Hassocks will come into the clash buoyed by their 2-0 success against the Barrowmen, Lingfield will be looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat at the hands of new Premier Division leaders Pagham.
Matches between the Robins and the Lingers are always entertaining affairs. What better way to start your Monday than with a bacon roll whilst catching some non-league football? Kick off is at 11am.
Lingfield last season
Lingfield were one of the few opponents who Hassocks faced on more than one occasion in the curtailed 2020-21 season, the sides having been paired together in Group C of the Supplementary Shield competition which rounded off the campaign.
Based on how the Premier Division table looked pre-lockdown, most outsiders would have expected Horley Town and Crawley Down Gatwick to be leading the way in Group C.
Instead though, it was the Lingers and Hassocks doing battle for a place in the semi final of the competition, a battle which Lingfield won as they advanced to the final four of the competition.
That form augured well for the new campaign, where Lingfield currently have two wins and two defeats from their four Premier Division outings.
Prior to Saturday’s defeat to Pagham, Lingfield opened their season with a 1-0 victory over Spencer Slaughter’s Loxwood. In their second game of the campaign, the Lingers defeated previous leaders Peacehaven & Telscombe, winning 2-1 at home to the Tye.
There was an impressive 2-1 FA Cup success against Egham Town whilst Lingfield’s other Premier Division defeat came at the hands of Crawley Down Gatwick, who had the familiar face of Charlie Pitcher on target alongside Michael Wood.
Hassocks v Lingfield head-to-head
There have been 28 meetings between Hassocks and Lingfield in the past with the Robins leading the head-to-head with 12 wins to the Lingers’ 10.
Lingfield have been the dominant side in recent years, Hassocks’ only success in the past seven meetings being a 3-2 Peter Bentley League Cup win at the Beacon in the 2018-19 season.
To find the last time Hassocks won a league fixture against the Lingers, you have to go back to the 2013-14 campaign.
Phil Gault scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win on an emotional occasion at the Beacon in the first home game after the loss of Ann John.
Last time Hassocks played Lingfield
Hassocks went to the Sports Pavilion in April knowing that victory would take them top of Group C in the Supplementary Shield and with a decent shot of making it through to the semi finals.
An entertaining game which deserved to be witnessed by a crowd finished 2-2. Pat Harding gave the Robins the lead on his 200th appearance for the club before two quick-fire goals from Sami Bakhit and Josh Biddlecombe put the Lingers ahead.
Harding equalised with his second of the afternoon but despite throwing the kitchen sink at the hosts, the Robins could not find a winner.
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.
