Is it too early for a six pointer?
Performances have picked up markedly for Hassocks over the past three weeks from a difficult set of fixtures. Now though the Robins need to start putting points on the board as a crucial run of three home matches in seven days kicks off against AFC Varndeanians.
In their previous home game, Hassocks hosted Beckenham Town in the FA Vase. Becks were no slouches – you do not top the Combined Counties League if you are – and yet the Robins gave them a real fright, succumbing to only a 2-1 defeat.
To push the leaders from a stronger division so close felt a little like a potential turning point in the Robins’ season. That belief was strengthened when Hassocks returned from Bexhill United last week with a point to show for their efforts.
The commitment of players and supporters to undertake the longest trip of the season in the middle of a petrol crisis – which was very real, even if our esteemed Prime Minister tried to claim otherwise – was rewarded with an excellent 1-1 draw.
In grim conditions, Hassocks had to show the battling skills that their sides of yesteryear used to be famous for to hang on, particularly in the second half. Nobody watching though could have denied the Robins were worthy of a point. The challenge now is to build on that.
AFC Varndeanians this season
For the first time since 1962, AFC Varndeanians are a Southern Combination League Premier Division club – and after a difficult start to the campaign, they will be hoping a change of manager means a change of fortune.
Reaching the top flight was the culmination of a whirlwind ride for Varndeanians, who have climbed three divisions in seven seasons having been a Mid Sussex Premier club as recently as 2015.
Ryan Gayler was the man who started the rise, leading the club to the Southern Combination League Division Two title at the first time of asking in 2015-16.
Not only that, but Gayler was also instrumental in helping them move from Brighton University to Withdean Stadium, providing the necessary ground grading for Vs to return to senior football for the first time since leaving for the Brighton League in 1972.
Varndeanians were elevated to the top flight for 2021-22 by the FA based on their performances in Division One over the past two curtailed seasons but it has not been an easy start to life.
Former Loxwood and Langney Wanderers manager Alex Walsh was unable to oversee a league win, resulting in the return of Gayler to Withdean last month.
Charged with maintaining the top flight status that he laid the foundations for achieving, Gayler has instigated improvement already.
His first match back at the helm resulted in a 2-2 draw against Crawley Down Gatwick. That was Varndeanians’ first point of the season and a seriously impressive one at that, given the free scoring form that the Anvils have been in recently.
Varndeanians followed that up with a close-fought 3-2 defeat against Newhaven. Those two results suggest they will be much more competitive over the remainder of the season, making it a tough task for Hassocks in what will be the first ever meeting in senior football between the clubs.
Hassocks v AFC Varndeanians head-to-head
Although the Robins and AFC Varndeanians have never faced each other at first team level before, Varndeanians were regular opponents for the old Hassocks III back in the Mid Sussex League during the 2000s.
Vs normally had the upper hand as perennial title challengers, being crowned champions in 2004, 2007 and 2009. One notable exception came when Hassocks denied Varndeanians a league and cup double by pulling off a shock win in the Montgomery Cup Final of 2004.
The Robins triumphed on penalties under the management of Simon Maskell with a team featuring an 18-year-old Ashley Marsh, a 16-year-old Sam Fisk and a 49-year-old Robbie Kitchen.
Last time Hassocks played AFC Varndeanians
Hassocks III last played AFC Varndeanians in the 2011-12 Mid Sussex Premier season and it was hardly a classic, finishing 0-0 at Brighton University.
The previous fixture was much more exciting, Steve Dallaway scoring twice and James Laing once for Hassocks in a 4-3 defeat at the Beacon on Bonfire Night 2011.
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.
