Oaks Felled By Hassocks - AFC Uckfield vs. Hassocks

Welcome to the Oaks

For the third time this season I headed to Sussex for a game. This time it was to watch AFC Uckfield at home to Hassocks in the Sussex County League First Division. Unfortunately the last few weeks have been pretty eventful for AFC Uckfield with the manager leaving and a lot of the first team squad following him. Hassocks are having a better time of things and sat in sixth place in the table. I visited The Beacon Ground for an FA Cup tie against Ash United a couple of seasons ago.

Kick off at The Oaks

The game has an even start and despite the heavy pitch, both teams manage to play some football. The visitors however take the lead through an unfortunate moment for the keeper. He misses his kick and the striker rolls the ball in to the empty net. Uckfield soon have a great chance to equalise but the forward puts a free header well wide. They soon have another chance but the keeper makes a save. Shortly afterwards there is a scramble in the box but the ball falls kindly for the Hassocks keeper. The home side are made to pay for not taking their chances as the visitors score two quick goals before half time.

Uckfield attack the clubhouse end in the first half

Uckfield come out and attack the visitors from the off in the second half. There are rewarded when the Uckfield player nets a neat shot from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit. There are chances for either side but the game ends 3-1 to Hassocks. I think Uckfield will be ok this season, the players were committed and played some good stuff. The report for the second half is a lot less detailed as it was far too cold to write any notes!

Hassocks pushing forward in the first half.

The Oaks is about a forty minute walk from Uckfield station and there are hills in both directions. Trains to Uckfield depart from London Bridge and the journey takes about an hour and twenty minutes. On the way to the ground is The Highlands Inn which is a great place to stop off at. Opposite the station is The Station which isn't as good but is in a handy location. The clubhouse is very friendly and is worth a visit beforehand.

The two stands at The Oaks