Tough looking trip as Hassocks seek four wins in a row
Non League Day 2022 takes place this weekend and Hassocks will spend it at Fort Road, undertaking the sizable challenge of trying to upset title chasing Newhaven.
The Robins will at least head south in good form themselves having won their past three matches. East Preston were vanquished 5-2 at the Beacon a fortnight ago, followed by a 2-0 win at Seaford Town to book a first Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup semi final in 10 years.
Hassocks saved their most impressive result of all for last weekend, winning 1-0 at Pagham. The Lions still have eyes on a top five finish whilst the Robins had not won at Nyetimber Lane since the 2011-12 season.
A similar performance against Newhaven and there is a chance that another shock result against one of the Premier Division’s high flyers might be possible.
Anyone wanting to find out can do so for half price admission. Newhaven are charging just £3 for adults to watch to celebrate Non League Day, a gesture which is sure to boost the crowd. Can Hassocks spoil the party?
Newhaven this season
It has been a typical Newhaven season, really. The Dockers have been one of the best and most consistent teams in the Premier Division, currently sitting third in the table behind only Littlehampton Town and Saltdean United.
The Golds remain the favourites to lift the title with their FA Vase exploits having done little to distract from the task of becoming league champions so far. Newhaven trail Littlehampton by four points having played a game more.
That probably puts first spot beyond the Dockers. Runners up is very much up for grabs however, with local rivals Saltdean just two points ahead. Second place could yet lead to promotion into the Isthmian League, which has been the long-term aim for Newhaven for several years now.
There is also the strong possibility that Newhaven will end the campaign with some sort of silverware. They face Pagham in the final four of the Peter Bentley League Cup and have a mouth-watering semi final in the RUR Cup against Saltdean of all teams.
The winners of that will take on either Hassocks or the victors of the remaining quarter final between Littlehampton and Chichester City.
Newhaven v Hassocks head-to-head
It feels like Hassocks have been playing Newhaven forever, but the reality is that there have been just 17 meetings between the clubs.
The fixture only become a regular staple when Newhaven won promotion to the Premier Division in 2013 and since then, it has not brought much joy for the Robins.
Hassocks have won four times compared to the Dockers 11 with three draws. The Robins did at least triumph on their last visit to Fort Road – the first time Hassocks had ever won there –
Spencer Slaughter scoring the only goal in a 1-0 success in February 2019.
Last time Hassocks played Newhaven
You know it has been a bad afternoon when the headlines are taken by a Swindon Town fan on his stag who has been dressed as a Robin to be Hassocks mascot for the day at the Beacon.
That decision came about because both Hassocks and Swindon are called the Robins. The stag party enjoyed themselves, putting plenty behind the bar under the Sussex sun before heading for a night out in Brighton. They even got a picture with Newhaven goalkeeper Jake Buss for good measure.
Football wise, it finished 5-0 to the visitors with all the goals coming in the space of 33 minutes either side of half time. Lee Robinson scored three with Henry Watson getting two.
How to get to Fort Road
Take the A259 coast road into Newhaven, where you will join a one way system on Lewes Road. Follow it all the way around until you have nearly done a complete loop before
taking a left onto South Road.
This in turn becomes Fort Road with the ground on your right opposite the Marina. The imposing main stand – one of the best in Sussex – means that you cannot miss it.
As already mentioned, the Dockers have halved admission prices for Non League Day. Entrance is £3 adults, £2 concessions and under 16s go free.
