SPIRTED ROBINS COMEBACK TWICE TO DOWN CHAMPIONS CHICHESTER
The visit of reigning Sussex County League champions Chichester City United to the Beacon had it all. Injuries in the warm up, young players coming in, five goals and ultimately three points for Hassocks in a fine 3-2 comeback victory.
When the teams were announced, Stuart Faith had been all set to make his full home debut replacing Andy Fisk in the middle of the park.
That was until the consistent Nick Newman tweaked a knee before kick off, requiring Faith to take over at centre back. The industrious Ian Dawson found himself promoted into midfield from the bench.
What with all that upheaval, it was not really a surprise to see the Robins make a sluggish start. A blustery cross-wind made life more difficult still as Chi and their technically gifted players enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.
Having said that, it was Hassocks who mustered the first opportunity. Joe Fernley tested Alex Hards in the Chi goal with a half volley that was comfortably dealt with.
Two efforts from the visitors went over the bar next, the first from Leigh Cole and the second from Steve Leigh.
Chris Hewitt deserved an immense amount of credit for his last-gasp lunge which ultimately put the impressive Leigh off enough that he fired too high from a very good position.
Faith blocked a shot from Paul Thomas before the champions took the lead their first half performance deserved a couple of minute prior to the break.
Leigh shot from 20 yards, Joel Harding could only parry and the ball hit the waiting Scott Tipper almost by accident to rebound into the net. The Robins appealed in vain for offside, just as they had the previous week in their FA Cup exit to Merstham.
Hassocks were much improved after the interval and that made for a more exciting tie, even with the wind doing its best to disrupt the flow of the game.
Chi twice came close to extending their advantage, Ben Hitchman heading wide when he should have at least hit the target and Harding dealing well with a Leigh effort.
There was a controversial moment on the hour. Hitchman pulled back Pat Harding as the Hassocks striker raced clear to go one-on-one with Hards.
Despite it being a clear and deliberate last man foul denying a goal scoring opportunity, referee Peter Lindsey brandished only a yellow card. Hewitt put the resulting free kick straight into the wall.
Any injustice the Robins felt was quickly wiped out a minute later. Harding sent over a corner from the right, Hards missed his punch and Fernley was on hand to tap in at the near post.
Faith was replaced by Steve Hudson on 68 minutes. The young defender’s first task was watch to Chi retake the lead, Leigh firing home an unstoppable strike from 25 yards which Harding had no hope of keeping out.
Hassocks trailed until the 76th minute, after which they showed fantastic character to come from behind and win.
A defensive mix up paved the way for the Robins’ second equaliser of the afternoon, letting in Harding down the flank.
His pinpoint cross was headed powerfully home by the in-form James Laing, scoring for the sixth time in six appearances.
Hassocks were not done yet and grabbed the winner eight minutes later. Dawson collected possession on the halfway line and his exquisite pass sent Harding through. Harding did the rest, coolly slotting past the advancing Hards with his left foot.
Twice in injury time Chi almost snatched an equaliser. Stephens and Hitchman both headed wide as Hassocks hung onto a fine victory, after which Dave John singled out Graham Beveridge for special praise in the midfield holding role.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Stuart Faith, Chris Hewitt, Ashley Low, Richard Thompson; Ian Dawson, Graham Beveridge, Joe Fernley; James Laing, Pat Harding.
Subs: Steve Hudson (Faith 68), Ashley Marsh, Tom Stripp, Phil Wickwar (unused).
