BEVERIDGE GIVES ROBINS REVENGE AGAINST DISGRUNTLED HAWKS
Dave John was a pleased man even before kick off on Easter Monday against Whitehawk. The Hassocks manager had the rare luxury of naming an unchanged team and it paid off as the Robins made it two wins in the space of 48 hours with six scored and none against.
Graham Beveridge got the only goal of the game in an impressive 1-0 win at the Beacon coming off the back of Saturday’s excellent 5-0 victory at home to Pagham.
It is no coincidence the Robins are enjoying their best spell of a season badly hampered by injuries at a time when they are able to enjoy some consistency in selection.
But whilst Johnsy was even more delighted come full time, you had to spare a thought for opposite number Ian Chapman and the visitors.
Their Easter started with a first major trophy in 11 years when defeating Rye & Iden United 4-3 in the John O’Hara Cup final before descending into bitter disappointment when it turned out they had fielded in ineligible player in substitute Bertie Foster.
Hawks subsequently had the silverware taken away with Rye declared the winners. That frustration may explain why five of their players were yellow carded by referee Adrian Hudson, all for verbal offences.
Chapman also found himself in Mr Hudson’s bad books after approaching the official at the full time whistle.
“All I said to him was that he had a diabolical game,” said Chapman afterwards. “He completely spoiled it for everyone and despite all the cards, not one of my players swore at him.”
Games between Hassocks and Whitehawk are traditionally tight with never normally more than one goal in it.
The two previous meetings this season had finished 2-2 at the Enclosed Ground and 1-0 to Whitehawk in the quarter finals of the John O’Hara, for which Hassocks were seeking revenge having had genuine designs on ending their 103 year wait for a first senior trophy.
This was no different and the first half in particular was thoroughly enjoyable for a big crowd basking in the warm holiday sunshine.
After the break the weather cooled and so did the quality of the action but even so, it was never less than competitive.
The Robins had the better of the opening 45 minutes. James Laing threatened on a couple of occasions as well as engineering a great break with Pat Harding. Unfortunately, Harding was unable to add to his 26 goals, pulling his shot wide of the far post.
Hassocks had a fair penalty shout missed by the officials. Tom Stripp had another good game again out-of-position at left wing back and his cross was misjudged by the wholehearted Peter Birch.
The ball bounced up and Birch inadvertently handled. Neither Mr Hudson nor his assistant spotted the incident, which came as a bit of a surprise as almost everyone watching did.
Whitehawk had first half chances of their own. Hassocks were grateful when Hawks star striker Tommy Pattenden’s first touch let him down when well placed in front of Joel Harding on 15 minutes.
There were even bigger sighs of relief on the half hour mark. A ball fell invitingly from a set piece to Dean Venton who really should have done better than striking the underside of the bar.
Venton was also guilty of a costly miss in the second half, although this time it was only a half chance in a crowded box when Hassocks failed to properly clear their lines.
As Whitehawk’s players, bench and supporters began venting their spleen at Mr Hudson with increasing frequency, Beveridge struck what proved to be the winner with 13 minutes remaining.
Harding delivered an inswinging corner which posed problems for the visiting defence. Nick Newman saw a close range effort blocked well on the line but there was nothing Whitehawk could do when Beveridge powerfully drove the rebound into the back of the net.
The sun popped back out briefly after that, leaving Hassocks to bask in it and adding to the holiday cheer of the home camp.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Ashley Marsh, Chris Hewitt, Nick Newman, Tom Stripp; Matt Robbins, Graham Beveridge, Stuart Faith; James Laing, Pat Harding.
Subs: Ian Dawson, Brendan Leahy, Richard Thomas, Phil Wickwar (unused).
