[Football] The Non-League Football Thread- 2023/24 Edition

[Hotchilidog]

might head to Hassocks for Haywards Heath vs Steyning in the Peter Bentley Cup semi final later

Hassocks is a lovely ground also has a good bar.

 

[Colonel Mustard]

Well if you like hipsters and craft ale you are in for a treat.

I so love the idea that West Didsbury has become hipster central. My guffawing over this will mean nothing at all to anyone who didn’t know what it was like there 40 years ago. Most people, I'm safely guessing.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

A nice ride for sure, but don't forget to wear your ex-Withdean poncho, it's bound to rain!

Of course it will ......... funnily enough I found a poncho in a drawer the other week. Couldn't bring myself to chuck it.

 

[Mellotron]

ground number 18 was Chennells Brook, home of Roffey for their SCFL Divison 1 clash with Montpelier Villa.

This was a bit of a treat I won't lie. Completely unexpected.

The ground is right on the edge of north east Horsham, in what initially feels like a very residential area, however somehow they've cultivated a feel of the ground being in some sort of enchanted forest. It's surrounded by tall trees on all sides.

Whilst it's fairly basic, in that it has one small seated stand and a small standing area, the ground is very much supplemented with a really nice outdoor bar area which blends in really nicely with the woodland vibe of the ground. There isn't a clubhouse as such but the general bar area is lovely and I bet its great in the summer.

Once again, the staff and volunteers here are really, really nice and friendly.

Entrance was £6 which included a free programme.

Roffey are romping home with the SCFL 1 title and unsurprisingly won this one 4-0.

What a hidden gem this is though, really punches above its weight as a ground and just goes to show that even small grounds like this can be turned into fantastic places to watch football with a bit of imagination.

View attachment 179425

View attachment 179426

View attachment 179427

View attachment 179428

Now THAT is a Theatre of Trees.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

Hassocks is a lovely ground also has a good bar

The Dave John Arms..

Hassocks is a lovely ground also has a good bar.

 

[Mellotron]

Anyone who has been watching regularly, what has happened to Worthing since Hinshelwood departed?

 

[BN41Albion]

I lived in the area for 4 or 5 years back in the 80s without realising there was a local club. Bizarrely, I first heard of their existence on Coronation Street recently when Steve McDonald mused that he was thinking of switching his allegiance to them. I presumed it was a made-up club, some sort of in-joke from the production team. Then I googled it and found they really existed.

You know that the 'West Didsbury and Chorlton' was dubbed over the top of what he actually said by someone at the club as a joke, right!?

 

[Whitechapel]

If the weather isn’t too bad I’m thinking of going to watch The Lancers* for the first time this weekend.

I saw a Facebook post claiming it might be their biggest game ever, which seems a grandiose term for 4th v 5th with nothing immediately on the line.

*Lancing, if you didn’t figure it out from the nickname.

 

[jackalbion]

If the weather isn’t too bad I’m thinking of going to watch The Lancers* for the first time this weekend.

I saw a Facebook post claiming it might be their biggest game ever, which seems a grandiose term for 4th v 5th with nothing immediately on the line.

*Lancing, if you didn’t figure it out from the nickname.

I believe of they win they will secure their highest ever finish.

 

[Colonel Mustard]

You know that the 'West Didsbury and Chorlton' was dubbed over the top of what he actually said by someone at the club as a joke, right!?

No, I didn’t. Are you certain? I first heard about the mention on the Football Cliches podcast, and did some investigation. I’ve not seen this allegation anywhere else. I’ll have to dig deeper.

 

[Superphil]

might head to Hassocks for Haywards Heath vs Steyning in the Peter Bentley Cup semi final later

Hoping for a decent, if not a bit soggy, game, but it could be a negative distraction from the league campaign? There will be some key Steyning players missing due to other commitments, but, the magic of the cup and all that, Comon the Barrowmen!

 

[jackalbion]

They lost 4-0 and cancelled the man of the match award . I’ll try again on Tuesday.

This has gone well, GAME OFF. Planning on going to the pan this evening now.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Hoping for a decent, if not a bit soggy, game, but it could be a negative distraction from the league campaign? There will be some key Steyning players missing due to other commitments, but, the magic of the cup and all that, Comon the Barrowmen!

Who knows . What s season though. It was tense on Saturday!

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Steyning v Heath at Hassocks - Game Off. It's hardly been raining in Steyning - the ground must be absolutely sodden.

 

[keaton]

This has gone well, GAME OFF. Planning on going to the pan this evening now.

I'm not saying you're cursed or anything but pitch inspection at 6.15

 

[Boys 9d]

Who knows . What s season though. It was tense on Saturday!

Steyning v Heath at Hassocks - Game Off. It's hardly been raining in Steyning - the ground must be absolutely sodden.

I thought Steyning had a plastic pitch?

 

[BN9 BHA]

I thought Steyning had a plastic pitch?

It has, this semi final game was to be played at Hassocks as a neutral ground

 

[keaton]

Lewes game off

 

[BNthree]

I thought Steyning had a plastic pitch?

The “at Hassocks” is the key part!

 

[Peacehaven Wild Kids]

I lived in the area for 4 or 5 years back in the 80s without realising there was a local club. Bizarrely, I first heard of their existence on Coronation Street recently when Steve McDonald mused that he was thinking of switching his allegiance to them. I presumed it was a made-up club, some sort of in-joke from the production team. Then I googled it and found they really existed.

I love the area although I’ve never seen a match there. (I’m more an FC United bloke) had many a pint in The Lloyds Hotel or if I needed to bring a pint in for under £2 I’d cross the road to The Spread Eagle