Robins miss golden chance to deliver big blow to 10-man Crows title bid
The battle for the Sussex County League title remains a three horse race. But only just after Crowborough Athletic equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw against Hassocks.
The Robins were totally dominant throughout the second half against 10 man Crows at the Beacon and should have put the game to bed long before the clock ticked past 90.
Hassocks though squandered a host of chances, allowing Wayne Clark to claim what may turn out to be a crucial point with a free kick drilled beyond Joel Harding with virtually the last kick of the game.
Away supporters and players went delirious with delight. Such moments are enough to fuel belief that this might just be Crowborough’s year as they attempt to hunt down Whitehawk and Eastbourne Town at the top of the table.
The Robins meanwhile left the pitch looking dejected. Even home boss Dave John struggled afterwards, such was the manner in which his side had blown a golden opportunity to enhance their own push for a highest-ever league placing.
Adding to the feeling that Hassocks had let the Crows off the hook massively was the fact the visitors played the entire second half with only 10 following the sending off of Justin Harris on 41 minutes.
Crowborough led 1-0 at that point and looked well in control having navigated a tricky spell of Robins pressure through the first 15 minutes.
The best Hassocks chance during their promising start came to Matt Amos on the quarter hour. Phil Gault put Amos in with a clever pass but with the goal at his mercy, the teenager could only scuff wide.
Ross Treleaven punished that miss three minutes later when firing the Crows ahead. Crowborough dominated possession after that without ever really testing Harding.
The game though turned on the sending off. Harris elbowed Amos to concede a penalty and receive a yellow card from referee Phil Wilks.
Harris did not take too kindly to the decision and after unleashing a torrent of abuse against Mr Wilks, the official gave him his marching orders for foul and abusive language.
Crows boss Harry Smith decided to join in, launching into an even bigger rant than Harris. Mr Wilks ordered Smith from the dugout, compounding Crowborough misery.
Despite all the furore and a lengthy delay whilst the officials restored order, Hibbert coolly slotted home the spot kick to level the tie.
Hassocks took the lead four minutes into the second half. Matt Robbins played in Sam Fisk down the left and his cross to the far post was poked him by Mickey Turner ghosting in from the opposite flank.
The Crows could evidently feel the game slipping away and with it, a significant blow being dealt to those title hopes. They became disorganised and panicked at the back as Hassocks began to create chance after chance.
Amos stung the gloves of Crowborough goalkeeper Rob Gordon with a drive which needed parrying away. A slip from centre back Dave Adams left Gault in on goal but he fired over.
Gault shot weakly at Gordon after creating space and Amos shot too high from the angle. One wondered at that point whether John might change things up and bring on Mark Sheriff to see if the experienced striker had bought his shooting boots with him.
John though stuck with Gault and Amos. The latter missed a glorious chance on 90, placing a shot wide from six yards with only Gordon to beat.
The Robins then paid the ultimate price. The dangerous Clarke had been expertly ushered all night by Fisk.
On the one occasion he escaped the attentions of the Hassocks left wing back, Clarke caused enough of an issue to be felled on the edge of the box.
Clarke dusted himself down and struck a powerful effort from the resulting free kick which gave Harding no chance.
It was harsh on Hassocks but a lesson learned that chances have to be taken if you want to defeat sides like Crowborough at the top of the league.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Pete Lear, Ashley Marsh, Stuart Faith, Sam Fisk; Matt Robbins, Chris Brown, Anthony Hibbert; Phil Gault, Matt Amos.
Subs: Chris Hewitt, Mark Sheriff, Dan Jacques, Spencer Slaughter, Scott McCarthy (unused).
Starman: Sam Fisk. Good defensively and always a willing attacker. Kept Wayne Clarke quiet for most of the match.
