After a week where finally I moved into my new home in West Sussex and with nothing but household chores facing me, I decided to escape and watch an FA Cup Preliminary round tie between Hassocks FC and Beckenham Town, both of whom play in the Isthmian League South East Division.

Hassocks FC play at the Beacon Ground, which benefits from a 237 seat grandstand, as well as a modern clubhouse and changing facility. Hassocks won the Southern Combination Premier Division in 2024-25 and have made a positive start to life in the Isthmian League South East Division, winning an exciting home game against Herne Bay 3-2, before losing to Crowborough 1-3 in midweek. Alex Fair has opened his league and cup account with four goals already this season, which would have given manager, James Westlake hope that his side can stay up in their first season since promotion.

Beckenham Town narrowly missed the play-offs last season, finishing a creditable sixth, after a reprieve from relegation in 2023-24 allowed them the chance to regroup. Manager Danny Waldren, who took over after Del Oldfield’s surprise departure, has inherited and added to a squad with the potential to achieve promotion for the Eden Park Avenue based club. Joe Chalker returned to the fold after a season’s loan at Edith & Belvedere, and has added high quality wide play, which alongside the goals of Louie Theophanous and Bradley Ryan, whilst underpinned by the defensive acumen and experience of Jack Holland, ensures the Becks will be a team to watch this season, despite opening with a loss to Merstham and a draw against newly promoted VCD Athletic.

The FA Cup allows for replays in the preliminary and early rounds, so there was no guarantee of a result today. A decent crowd on all four sides of this characterful ground, gathered to watch this fascinating encounter, between two entertaining and attack minded teams.

In the eighth minute Beckenham Town went ahead with a fine finish from a corner by Henry Douglas, their right-back.

The remainder of the half passed uneventfully with Beckenham Town carving out the better chances but Hassocks looking dangerous when coming forward. At the break the sides went in with visitors still holding onto their single goal lead.

The second half saw both sides create chances without ever looking like adding to the goal tally. As the game moved into the final ten minutes it looked like Beckenham would be more likely to extend their leave than the home team were to snatch an equaliser.

As the referee blew for full time, it was the Kent based side who progressed into the next round. This was a close and hard fought tie but on balance Beckenham Town edged the match and deserved the win.