Three big Sussex non-league games to watch this weekend
The 2025-26 is marching on with increased pace and purpose with now has just eight weeks remaining.
For those mid-table teams, a calmness will descend as all connections relax and start to focus on 2026-27.
For others there is a mountain of hard work still to do and one wrong move this Saturday could spell real trouble.
We take a look at what’s in store for Eastbourne Borough, Whitehawk and Hassocks.
Borough go to Salisbury needing a win in National South relegation battle
Despite a brilliant victory at Hampton last Saturday, Robbie Blake’s Eastbourne Borough have a long way to go in the National South relegation discussion.
Matt Burgess gave EB the lead at Hampton and then Kingsley Anokye struck late to earn a precious three points. That win took them one place up the table to 22nd on 31 points having played 36 of 46 matches.
The other relegation candidates Enfield, Bath, Farnborough and Hampton are on similar points but have games in hand.
Borough head to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium to face out-of-sorts Salisbury. With just one win in nine the club are dropping down the division like a stone and are looking over their shoulder.
Manager Brian Dutton freely admits to being susceptible to set pieces so that could be the way forward for Eastbourne. But victory on Saturday for Salisbury will give them stability and near guaranteed National South status. It’s a big prize and all connections will be buzzing for the occasion.
Whitehawk’s Isthmian prem play-off bid hangs by thread
Whitehawk’s current position in the Isthmian Premier, 12th place on 45 points, wouldn’t have many believing in a play-off bid. However, there are two aspects which can not be discounted: two games in hand and the unshakable belief of their veteran manager Shaun Saunders.
He has won countless titles across the county over his career, the secret being hard work and determination. Plus, he will never give up on any situation.
The team travel to Essex on Saturday to take on Aveley, who perhaps have been one of the surprise packages of the division.
While Folkestone are worthy ‘champions-in-waiting, Aveley are a good shout for runners-up and home ties in the play-offs. However, with just one win in four there have been signs of a slowdown in form which could play into the Hawks’ hands.
If Hawks lose this game, then their 25/26 play-off chances are realistically gone.
Hassocks fly to Jersey – and how they need to soar
Hassocks have been a wonderful breath of fresh air flowing through the Isthmian family this season. In their debut south east division campaign the club have made a number of new friends as fans and clubs have enjoyed their visit to the Beacon. As chairman Pat Harding said to me: “We try to do things right here at Hassocks!”
Unfortunately, after a great start the Robins have found that the pace and physicality is starting to undermine their stay. A run of just two wins in 19 has seen them drop into the relegation zone with 29 points from 32 games.
The club fly to Jersey on Saturday to take on play-off hopefuls the Bulls at the Springfield Stadium. Jersey are doing really well and are flying at home. They recently beat Croydon 6-1.
It’s a shame that the Robins can’t just go and enjoy the experience… for there’s points to be won.
Good luck to Borough, the Hawks and the Robins this weekend – and all other Sussex non-league clubs in action.