Burgess Hill Town v Haywards Heath Town is 'always a big occasion'

But Lovett said it was a shame the fixture was not at Christmas time, when there would be potential for a bigger crowd.

Both sides lost their opening league fixtures and will be looking to bounce back in the Mid Sussex derby.

The fact that most of the players know each other just adds extra spice.

Lovett said: “It’s always a big occasions when you have a local derby, with lots of players that have played for the other club and many know each other outside of football.

“The derby is a derby whenever in the season you play it and all players would be up for it. It’s a shame we don’t have this game over the Christmas period instead as I think it would work well for both clubs and the crowds they would get in.

“Both teams will be coming off the back of league losses and will be hoping to put that right with a good performance. It will be our first game back with everyone fit and available for selection.

“We know they will be a good side and we will prep ourselves right for the game.”

Heath boss Lloyd Cotton has been involved ina few festive derbies and agrees with Lovett.

He said: “It’s always good to have a derby early in the season but the Christmas derbies are really good and I have been involved in a few of them and they are brilliant.

“Every game is going to be important to us but derbies have a bit extra to them.

“I want us to turn up to every game. As for the result Saturday, we are not going to win every game this season.

“No team is going to win every game, but when you do lose you have to bounce back and move on.”

Haywards Heath Town exited the FA Cup on Tuesday night as they lost 1-0 to Hanwell Town at Hanbury Stadium.

A 12th minute super strike from Hanwell’s Gianni Crichlow was all that was needed to separate the sides.

Burgess Hill Town also went out, losing 3-1 to Cray Valley PM.