ROBINSON PROVES HIS POINT WITH DOUBLE IN BIG HASSOCKS WIN
This was a game Hassocks had to win for more reasons than one. In the end, they did so comfortably as goals from James Laing and a Laurence Robinson brace overcame Worthing United 3-0 at the Beacon.
Both sides are deep in relegation trouble, making this a six pointer even before adding the extra layer of intrigue provided by the presence of John Suter in the away dugout.
Suter was relieved of his duties as Hassocks boss a little over five weeks ago. He was not out of the game long, the Mavericks turning to him as they attempt to climb out of the mire.
The new United boss has wasted no time in forging a new-look side, signing several experienced campaigners including Gavin Geddes and Andy Lutwyche.
Suter can also count upon some of his loyal lieutenants who followed him from Horsham YMCA to Hassocks in the summer and who upped sticks the moment he left the Beacon.
Tom White and Matt Russell both returned in United colours with a point to prove. And talking of points to prove, Dave John named a starting XI containing several Hassocks players not really given opportunities by Suter.
Robinson headed up that list. He made just one start and six substitute appearances in the 15 games Suter was at the helm having made the commitment to travel back from university in Canterbury at the weekends.
John values Robinson far more highly than Suter and it took less than a minute for the striker to show why. Popping up in a wide position, Robinson used his deceptive pace to escape down the line and deliver a perfect low cross for James Laing to sweep home.
The Hassocks faithful were understandably delighted with such a fast start. Things did not get much better for United as they were second best in every department against a Robins side clearly fired up.
Robinson headed a good opportunity wide before getting it right with a second attempt on 17 minutes, heading in a pinpoint Spencer Slaughter delivery to move the Robins 2-0 ahead.
Slaughter was absolutely outstanding all afternoon. Although a regular under Suter, his versatility meant that he was used in several different roles which stifled his chances of building up momentum.
Undoubtedly, Slaughter’s best position is anchoring the midfield. He won tackle after tackle against United and covered every blade of grass in a high energy, box-to-box performance which the visitors simply could not handle.
Hassocks created a couple of half chances after Robinson doubled the advantage. Anthony Hibbert and Jamie Hillwood shot wide from midfield whilst Laing was also off target when well placed following more great approach play by Robinson.
With Jack Simpson suspended, John called upon the services of reserve team manager Phil Wickwar to deputise in goal.
Hassocks would have expected United to test their stand in early doors but Wickwar did not have a single save to make in the opening 45 minutes.
Ashley Marsh, Stuart Faith and Sol Bowra on his first start of the season were excellent in marshalling Geddes and Russell, the latter’s scoring ability needing no introduction to Hassocks fans following his four goals in eight matches for the Robins.
Early in the second half and those two managed to fashion a rare opportunity for United, Geddes providing a dangerous cross which Russell was inches away from connecting with.
Hassocks responded with Laing heading a Hibbert free kick wide and Slaughter testing Mavericks goalkeeper Paul House from distance.
House then looked worried when Robinson cut in from the left flank to bend a cross-shot just the wrong side of the post. Wickwar was forced into his first save on 73 minutes, superbly turning aside a low drive from Matt Duffield.
Fittingly, it was Robinson who sealed the three points for Hassocks in the 87th minute. House did well to keep out an initial effort from Laing, only to see the rebound poked home by Robinson to complete his first senior brace and keep three precious points at the Beacon.
Hassocks: Phil Wickwar; Dan Jacques, Stuart Faith, Ashley Marsh, Sol Bowra, Richard Thompson; Jamie Hillwood, Spencer Slaughter, Anthony Hibbert; James Laing, Laurence Robinson.
Subs: Jamie Buckett, Michael Enyon, Adam Williams (unused).
Starman: Spencer Slaughter. A powerhouse performance in midfield.
