ROBINS COME FROM BEHIND TO SEE OFF UNITED AND GO THIRD
Another comeback win lifted Hassocks into third spot in the Sussex County League standings as an impressive all-round performance saw off Worthing United 2-1 at the Beacon.
The Robins trailed at the interval to opposition riding on the crest of a wave and full of confidence following a 5-0 demolition job on Pagham at the weekend.
United though were outplayed for the majority of the 90 minutes by a Hassocks side for whom deadly strike force Pat Harding and James Laing were again in the goals.
The Robins bossed the first half and carved out several clear cut opportunities. A fine run from the energetic Graham Beveridge set up left wing back Richard Thompson for an effort dragged wide.
Thompson should have done better with the finish but his blushes were spared slightly as one of the officials spotted a minor deflection off a United defender.
From the resulting Harding corner, little Ian Dawson found himself in the unusual position of winning a header. You could tell it was something Dawson is not accustomed to as he placed just wide when it looked easier to score.
Mickey Turner had to clear a Steve Pickles header off the line at the other end before Hassocks resumed their pressure on the United goal.
Visiting goalkeeper Dean Fuller clawed a Harding cross from the right over the bar. Harding then thought he was in one-on-one, only for the flag to go up against Laing for straying into an offside position.
Almost immediately, Harding went clear again but the giant Fuller saved with his legs. Fuller was earning his keep by this point, denying Laing with a smart stop from close range.
Joe Fernley surged forward from midfield but Harding shot wide from the pass. To try and break the Robins’ dominance, United reverted to huge punts upfield from Fuller.
This approach though played to the strengths of Stuart Faith, who won almost everything in the air at the heart of the Hassocks defence.
It was when United got the ball down on the ground and tried some football that they managed to penetrate the home back line, taking the lead very much against the run of play on 42 minutes.
A neat passing move worked possession out to Jason Hughes. His cross from out wide was met by a clever header from Dave Schneider.
There was still time for Dawson to shoot over just before the break as Hassocks trundled off wondering just how they were behind.
The Robins continued where they had left off at the start of the second half by taking the game to United. Laing volleyed straight and Fuller and Beveridge shot wide, leaving a number of home supporters to openly wonder if this was just going to be one of those days.
No was the answer to that question. Harding pulled Hassocks level when shooting home clinically from 12 yards out following a good Fernley pass on 63 minutes.
Hewitt hit a trademark pile driver free kick from 35 yards after that which Fuller did well to parry around the post.
The 70 minute mark brought what proved to be the winner. Fernley had worked tirelessly in the middle of the park and it was one of his lung-busting runs 50 yards down the right flank which led to the goal.
When his first attempt at a cross was blocked, Fernley showed great technique to volley a return back into the centre.
It bounced awkwardly six yards out to deceive Fuller and Laing reacted quickest, poking past the hapless United goalkeeper.
Hassocks went onto create more chances in the final 20. Harding again brought a smart save from Fuller and Faith headed back across the box expecting a teammate to convert when the better option would have been going for goal himself.
It was not until the 86th minute that Joel Harding made his first worthwhile save of the evening, denying Phil Warren after a poor clearing header from Beveridge.
The Robins will now be hoping they can take their good home form onto the road with away games at Sidlesham and East Grinstead Town to come in the next seven days.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Stuart Faith, Chris Hewitt, Ashley Low, Richard Thompson; Iaw Dawson, Graham Beveridge, Joe Fernley; James Laing, Pat Harding.
Subs: Anthony Hibbert, Sam Fisk, Steve Hudson, Alex Simpson (unused).
