LATE HIBBERT THUNDERBOLT EARNS HASSOCKS SHARE OF THE SPOILS FROM BRIDGES TRIP
“The best one I have ever hit,” is how Anthony Hibbert described his blockbuster 88th minute effort which secured a 1-1 draw for Hassocks against Three Bridges – and few would argue with that assessment.
Hibbert was 30 yards out at Jubilee Field when he produced a magnificent strike which arrowed into the top corner, leaving 6’8 Bridges goalkeeper Stuart Robinson with absolutely no chance.
It needed something special to beat Robinson, who had kept his side in it with a couple of fine stops as Hassocks dominated large spells of the game and had the clearer cut opportunities.
When Bridges then scored a controversial 85th minute penalty, it looked as if the Robins were going to be victims of a mugging until Hibbert ensured a point went back to the Beacon. Really, it should have been all three.
Hassocks controlled the first half and could have gone into half time two or three goals ahead. In a sign of what was to come, Hibbert went close with a couple of long rangers, the first of which beat Robinson but whistled just the wrong side of the post.
A Matt Amos cross shot then had to be harried to safety by Bridges after it passed under the body of Robinson with Phil Gault lurking in the box.
Bridges’ dangerous front pairing of Jack McNab and Greg Palmer were dealt with admirably by the Robins defence of Pete Lear, Ashley Marsh and Stuart Faith.
There was however a let off a minute before half time when McNab stabbed home from a goalmouth scramble, only for referee Barrie Small to spot an infringement on Marsh and rule the goal out.
Hassocks were quick out the blocks at the start of the second half. A good passing move involving Sam Fisk, Hibbert and Gault ended with Gault crossing and Amos flashing a header just the wrong side of the upright.
At the other hand, Joel Harding had to be alert to parry away an unexpected snap shot from McNab. Bridges had more of the ball as the game wore on but they seemed to be obsessed with scoring the perfect goal by walking it into the net rather than shooting.
And when Bridges were not busy playing sideways pass followed by sideways pass, their attempts at theatrics and simulation led to some Hassocks players becoming increasingly angry.
Nathan Davis in particular is unlikely to win an Oscar for his acting ability anytime soon with Hasan Nyang and substitute Warren Whitley the other guilty parties when it came to trying to be the new Leonardo Di Caprio.
Faith, Marsh and Hibbert were all shown yellow cards for dissent as they pointed out to Mr Small a little too vehemently that he was being led down the garden path by unconvincing acting. Amos deservedly joined them in the book for a foul.
Hassocks’ best chance of the second half came when Hibbert hit a low effort towards goal which seemed certain to nestle in the corner until Robinson extended a long leg to somehow keep it up.
The Bridges goalkeeper next fumbled a Faith shot but nobody in red was following up to take advantage. Then came that late Bridges penalty.
Davis took another somewhat questionable tumble in the box under a Faith challenge and much to Hassocks’ dismay, Mr Small pointed to the spot.
Liam Ahearne sent Harding the wrong way and suddenly, Hassocks looked to be heading home with nothing to show for their efforts from a game they should have won.
Luckily for the Robins, Hibbert chose to score the best goal of his life three minutes later to give Hassocks what was ultimately another valuable point on the road.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Mickey Turner, Pete Lear, Ashley Marsh, Stuart Faith, Sam Fisk; Matt Robbins, Spencer Slaughter, Anthony Hibbert; Phil Gault, Matt Amos.
Subs: Richard Thompson, Logan Newington, Brendan Leahy, Phil Wickwar (unused).
Starman: The whole team for a stirring effort.
