Last season we made an early trip to Hassocks and delivered one of our worst performances of the season in losing 4-1. When we entertained them at the New Defence in December we took revenge with a good solid performance against a team then in second in the table on goal difference to take a 1-0 win. They went on to finish in fifth place and qualify for the new play-offs where they were beaten in the first of Eastbourne Town's pair of 2-0 wins that saw them promoted.

They arrive at Oakwood lying in fifth place after three games, while having not played at the weekend The Lingers have slipped to fourteenth. Hassocks were one of five teams with a 100% start to the season going into last Saturday's fixtures following home wins over Saltdean United and Bexhill United but the newly promoted Wick ended that by earning a draw. Hassocks were also at home in the FA Cup with a 2-3 defeat to fellow SCFL Haywards Heath Town.

It is still early days in the season and with wins in our last two matches it is reasonable to expect to get a good result from this match. I am sure we would rather have played last Saturday to keep up the momentum and a midweek game – delayed to Wednesday due to our hosts Oakwood FC having a Tuesday evening fixture – will make sure we are sharp before our trip to Larkfield & New Hythe FC on Saturday in the FA Cup.