The magic of the RUR Cup under the Beacon lights
Crawley Down Gatwick are becoming familiar foes for Hassocks this season. Their Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup third round clash will be the second of four meetings between the clubs, which is good news for neutral fans wanting to see goals.
Robins v Anvils has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most exciting fixtures on the Southern Combination League circuit.
Since the first ever meeting between the sides in the RUR Cup back in 2005, there have been 21 matches containing 84 goals at an average of over four per match.
Amongst the more ridiculous score lines of the past six years are 5-3 and 6-4 wins for Hassocks. Two matches in the Premier Division Supplementary Shield matches last April yielded 10 goals.
On the line on this occasion is a place in the last eight of the RUR Cup and a home tie against Seaford Town.
Crawley Down Gatwick this season
Crawley Down are capable of going toe-to-toe with any club in the Southern Combination League on their day. That is proven by their performance in knockout competitions.
The Anvils went further than any Sussex outfit other than Littlehampton Town in the FA Vase. They are already into the quarter finals of the Peter Bentley League Cup, where they will face a date with Newhaven.
Down’s ability to beat anyone has much to do with their firepower. Two Anvils players are already into double figures for the campaign and neither needs too much introduction to Hassocks fans.
Oli Leslie scored both the goals when Down won 2-0 at the Beacon in the Sussex Senior Cup back in October. Phil Johnson meanwhile came through the youth ranks at the Beacon, establishing himself as one of the best strikers in the county during two spells with Hassocks.
Johnson is one of three former Robins who could feature for Down, alongside Harvey Blake and Will Broomfield – all of whom will be worthy recipients of a warm welcome back if they play.
In league terms, the Anvils currently sit 10th in the Premier Division table having won 10, drawn three and lost eight of their 21 matches so far.
Hassocks v Crawley Down Gatwick head-to-head
As already mentioned, Hassocks against Crawley Down tends to be an absolute goal fest. It is the Robins who lead the head-to-head with 10 victories to eight for Down, leaving only three draws between the sides.
That comes as something of a surprise as since the Anvils first joined Hassocks in the top flight of the Southern Combination in 2009, they finished above the Robins in all but one season.
The sides have met four times in the RUR Cup with Hassocks winning three and Down one. The most recent meeting in the competition saw the Robins win 2-1 in the 2018-19 season through goals from Johnson and Liam Benson.
Last time Hassocks played Crawley Down Gatwick
It was that 2-0 win for the Anvils at the Beacon back in October. Leslie scored twice as Down progressed to a second round Sussex Senior Cup meeting with Saltdean United.
Hassocks will next face Down on Saturday 5th February at the Haven. The Anvils then make their third visit to the Beacon on Easter Monday.
Admission prices and matchday information
Admission prices are £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. Any spectator who turns up wearing a Christmas jumper will be admitted for half price. Dogs are welcome and a 44 page matchday programme is available for £1.
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.
Track and trace barcodes are available for those who wish to use them. Masks are not 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.
