LIONS TAMED AS ROBINS KNOCK OFF THE CHAMPIONS
Hassocks Under 23s announced themselves as genuine title contenders after defeating the reigning Southern Combination League West Division champions Pagham 2-0 at the Beacon.
The Lions have been the dominant force in Under 21 football over the past two seasons. Prior to this summers reorganisation which saw the division change to Under 23s, they’d won the previous two West Division titles.
Hassocks had finished runners up to Pagham last season although there was quite a chasm between the two. The Lions ended the campaign six points clear having secured the championship with a 3-1 win at the Beacon in early May.
They’d also defeated the Robins 3-2 in the sides league meeting at Nyetimber Lane in November, meaning that this success was the first time Hassocks have overcome Pagham at this level of football.
Nigel Pearce made three changes to the side that had defeated Southwick 2-1 in the Robins last outing two weeks ago.
Ben Jonas was handed a full debut in place of Kieran Wells. Solly Ross also dropped down to the bench with Joe Russell making his first start of the season while Will Glenn returned to the starting line up in place of Martin Ratcliffe.
After a relatively even first half in which nothing could separate the two sides, it was Jake Lindsey who broke the deadlock on the hour mark.
Lindsey has struggled for game time in the first team of late thanks to the form of Phil Johnson, Liam Benson and James Littlejohn but he offered a stark reminder of his prodigious talents with the opener after being introduced from the substitutes bench.
It was his first goal for the club at Under 23 level and a timely one at that, breaking the Lions resistance and offering a platform for Hassocks to build on.
And build on it they did with Littlejohn adding the second to wrap up the tie with nine minutes remaining. That continued the strikers recent sparkling form and takes him onto seven goals for the Under 23s in just four appearances so far this season.
Hassocks handed a debut to another member of last seasons treble winning Under 18s squad when Matt Denyer came off the bench.
The Robins will look to continue their hold of top spot next Thursday night when they face Mile Oak. Although originally scheduled for the Beacon, this game has now been switched and will take place at Mile Oak Rec with a 7.30pm kick off.
Hassocks: Josh Green, Ellis Common, James Oliver, Louie Derham, Ben Jonas, Joe Russell, Connor Bradley, Harvey Enticknap, Will Glenn, George Galbraith-Gibbons, James Littlejohn.
Subs: Jake Lane, Solly Ross, Matt Denyer, Kieran Wells, Jake Lindsey (used).
