Robins relegated: Hassocks fight to the end but can’t avoid their fate at Ashford

After taking a 63rd minute lead the Robins couldn’t quite maintain the tempo and, not for the first time this season, an experienced Isthmian team found an unlocked back door. Mid-table Ashford brought on fresh legs and won 3-2.

In warm spring sunshine Hassocks travelled to the Green Box Stadium knowing that a win could see them make the great escape from the Isthmian SE drop zone.

A series of excellent home victories had given the club a slugger’s chance going into the last day. They brought a good number of fans, and a huge shout out goes to the younger crew who sang for 90 minutes.

Things looked very promising in the early stages as the Robins hunted in pairs and chased down every ball. On 24 minutes an excellent cross from Liam Benson was caressed home by Lewis Finney to send the youngsters running to join celebrations.

On 35 minutes Benson hit another great cross which just eluded the outstretched foot of Jack Troak. The team strode in at the break still in the Isthmian League.

As manager James Westlake evaluates the game, he might be disappointed at the way his team started the second half. There didn’t seem to be any intensity or purpose. In truth Ashford were gifted a rather sloppy goal on 55 minutes to level things up.

However, the Robins rallied and on 62 minutes Finney was fouled by the keeper just outside the area. With the youngsters hurling banter towards the home keeper, he made a huge blunder from the resulting free-kick which allowed Ben Shroll to bundle the ball over the line. Celebrations both on and off the pitch were wild and elongated.

However, Isthmian-hardened Ashford brought on fresh legs as the Hassocks effort began to wilt. Holes appeared and on and 82 minutes Hassock’s Isthmian adventure was over when Jack Dixon headed home unmarked from a corner. Kai Garrett completed the win in the 90th minute.

News that Sheppey had drawn at AFC Croydon meant that had Hassocks held on to win, they would have stayed up.

Under the positive and enthusiastic guidance of chairman Pat Harding, Hassocks have been a breath of fresh air and an outstanding credit to Sussex football this season. They have made a lot of new friends as teams have enjoyed their visits to the Beacon.

Their fan-base is on the rise as the ground is seeing regeneration and upgrade. Hassocks offer an excellent fan experience.

Harding said: “I am very proud of the management and team they couldn’t have done much more. This is a long-term project and while we are disappointed right now the club is in a good place. This is not goodbye to the Isthmian league but ‘see you later’. We will be back.”

Manager Westlake said: “We are all feeling very low at the moment and this is going to hurt for some while. Obviously both the management team and players have made mistakes this season, things we all need to learn from. However, I am very proud of the effort the boys have shown both in training and on matchdays. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

It has been a real pleasure and privilege to have been on some of this journey with the Robins. That high-tempo high-energy rush was very much in evidence on a Tuesday night in March when a Jack Troak hat-trick earned a pulsating 4-2 win at Broadbridge Heath – perhaps the highlight of their season.

However, as we have seen in previous seasons that jump from County League to the Isthmian family is a tough transition. The environment is packed with non-league heavyweights with decades of history and experience to call upon.

From all of us at Sussexworld and the Mid Sussex Times, huge messages of good luck go to Hassocks for their 2026/27 preparation – we wish you well for next season.