LAING’S EARLY GOAL EXORCISES ROBINS’ MUSSELMEN GHOST
Four times last season Hassocks faced Shoreham in Division One, FA Cup and Sussex Senior Cup and four times they lost, failing to even score a goal against the Musselmen.
They righted that record at the Beacon thanks to James Laing’s eighth minute goal which was enough to see off opponents sitting fourth in the table at the start of play.
What carried Hassocks to victory was their extraordinary work rate. They chased, harried and challenged for every ball with countless bodies put on the line.As a result, Joel Harding hardly had a shot to save and when he was called upon to deal with crosses into the box, his handling was impeccable.
Phil Gault made his first appearance since re-joining the Robins from St Francis Rangers and was a clear winner of the man-of-the-match. Gault took over in central midfielder from the injured Spencer Slaughter, where he was able to put his playmaking skills to good use.
In his first spell with Hassocks, Gault was used primarily as a centre forward. It will be interesting to see where Dave John uses him over the coming weeks when Slaughter returns, especially as the Robins’ lack of firepower suggests that Gault has been brought back to play as a striker.
This performance was a reminder of Gault’s versatility – and in truth, wherever a player of his talents is deployed, he will make a real difference to Hassocks’ chances of making an impression in Division One.
John might need to dip into the transfer marker to find more reinforcements if his squad’s injury problems become much worse. The Hassocks boss is fast running out of defenders in particular. Stuart Faith was forced off with a heel complaint on 51 minutes, joining Ian Simpson on the injured list.
Faith’s place was taken by Sol Bowra, himself just returning from a knock. A poor challenge from Lee Eastman on Laing ended the experienced striker’s evening 18 minutes after Faith had limped off with Daley Clark introduced.
Laing won’t score many easier goals this season than his early opener, a tap in from six yards. Terry Gacias sent over a corner which Gault headed downwards for Laing to turn past Michael Hunter in the Shoreham goal.
Having failed to score against Shoreham in over 360 minutes in the previous campaign, to go 1-0 ahead so early was reassuring for the home contingent.
Clear cut chances were at a premium throughout but that isn’t to say the fare wasn’t entertaining. Both sides knocked the ball around well on an excellent Beacon surface.
Shoreham showed why they have made such an impressive start to the campaign while Hassocks were having one of their good days to more than match their visitors, a far cry from the side who struggled when drawing 0-0 away at Crowborough Athletic at the weekend.
Laing and Neil Kane worked tirelessly up front, Kane seemingly determined to get one over the club he left to move for the Beacon back in March. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when flicking an Arni Kublickas cross just wide of the post.
Jamie Groves tested Harding from 20 yards in what was Shoreham’s only shot on target of any note. Ryan Bradley just failed to get on the end of a cross from ex-Burgess Hill Town man Richard Hudson.
Dan Jacques had a late chance to wrap things up for Hassocks when his powerful run up the right took him in on goal but Hunter was equal to Jacques’ effort as he turned it away.
John quite rightly looked a very pleased man afterwards. Hassocks face a manic September in which they could face up to eight games in four weeks depending on their progress in the FA Vase and defeating such a talented Shoreham outfit should stand them in good stead going forward.
Hassocks: Joel Harding; Dan Jacques, Pete Lear, Ashley Marsh, Stuart Faith, Arni Kublickas; Terry Gacias, Phil Gault, Anthony Hibbert; Neil Kane, James Laing.
Subs: Sol Bowra (Faith 51), Daley Clark (Laing 69), Michael Bates (unused).
Starman: Phil Gault.
