CRAIG DOUBLE KEEPS HASSOCKS TOP
Hassocks Ladies made it three wins from three to begin their South East Counties Women’s Division One West campaign with a 3-1 victory away at Steyning Town.
The season may be less than a month old, but this was the second league meeting between the two already. The first ended with Hassocks running out 8-1 winners on the opening day but Steyning, playing in their first ever season, have come on leaps and bounds since then and this was a much harder fought game and a spirited effort from the hosts.
The first half was a fairly even affair which ended goalless although both teams enjoyed some good moments. Hassocks had the first chance as early as the third minute when a Kelly Rushworth pass nearly found Billie Philpott in space.
Steyning soon retaliated and it took a good saving tackle by Claire Stevens to avert the danger. Sarah Chappell had to make her first save in the 13th minute before a Sam Newman through ball was chased by Philpott but the defender reacted well to win the race. Philpott then saw a shot parried by the keeper who also reacted quickly to reach the rebound before Philpott could.
Hassocks gradually took the upper hand as the half progressed and a skilful touch and pass by Lisa Callow nearly sent Philpott through on goal.
The Robins were now enjoying more possession and a superb move involving Chloe John, who had been making several important interceptions at the back, and Lisa Callow just failed to find Tallie Bright.
Shortly before half-time, substitute Rose Jump was brought on for Rushworth who was nursing an injury and Hassocks nearly took the lead but couldn’t force the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.
Steyning started the second half the brighter with Emma Young forced into clearing for a corner and two efforts being registered on Sarah Chappell’s goal.
After surviving those scares, Hassocks began to assert themselves on proceedings with Lia Callow continuing to demonstrate her superb control with a series of pin point passes before Young came into her own with an excellent saving tackle and then in the 54th minute, an expertly delivered free kick which was headed home by Gemma Craig to give Hassocks the lead.
Jodie Johanson was brought on in the 61st minute and immediately had to clear a dangerous looking corner. John had to make another timely interception, passing to Callow whose through ball was just too hard.
With Hassocks now winning the midfield battle through the efforts of Craig and Liz King, playing a full 90 minutes for the first time in well over a year, they were able to double their lead in the 67th minute with a superb team goal.
Johanson found Young out on the right and her pin-point cross was met first time by Craig to put Hassocks 2-0 ahead.
The Robins looked to be coasting to victory after that until Steyning unexpectedly pulled one back through substitute Leanne Short after some sloppy play saw Hassocks gift the ball away to set up a tense final 15 minutes.
In response, Hassocks brought Bright back on in place of brace scorer Craig in order to introduce some more pace for the closing stages and her willing running out on the left helped push Steyning back.
The Robins made the game safe with three minutes remaining. An excellent pass from Johanson found Philpott who slotted past the keeper to restore the two goal advantage.
There was still time for Hassocks to nearly score a fourth when Rushworth found Jump whose effort hit the post and Steyning briefly threatened in added on time in an almighty goalmouth scramble before Hassocks eventually cleared the ball to safety.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Emma Young, Sam Newman, Liz King, Claire Stevens, Chloe John, Lisa Callow, Gemma Craig, Billie Philpott, Kelly Rushworth, Tallie Bright.
Subs: Rose Jump, Jodie Johanson (used).
