ROBINS DELIVER THEIR BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON TO ROUT THE REBELS
Hassocks Ladies delivered their best display of the season to progress to the semi finals of the League Cup by knocking out Premier Division side Worthing at Woodside Road.
This was a rerun of last season’s final when the Robins defeated the same opponents 3-1 to lift the cup, a result that added some gloss to a campaign that ended in relegation for Hassocks.
They’ll surely be back in the top fight next season having won 11 games out of 11 in Division One West and now with a stunning 7-2 victory against the Premier Division Rebels in the bank.
Boss Martin Lee highlighted the importance of a strong start and Hassocks certainly came out the traps with all guns blazing as Katherine Chappell had two attempts on goal and Kelly Rushworth fired over all in the first five minutes.
Top scorer Billie Philpott gave the Robins the lead with 10 minutes on the clock when she collected a Kirsten Mair pass and slotted past the goalkeeper before Worthing came back into the tie with Hassocks relying on some brave defending from Sam Newman, Chloe John and Emma Young to maintain their advantage.
The Robins weathered the storm and were rewarded for their diligent defending by an amazing spell in which they scored three times in five minutes around the half hour mark.
Philpott scored the first of those when reacting in predatory fashion to convert a rebound after a good block from the Worthing goalkeeper, Rushworth added the next after a clever header from Claire Stevens and Chappell the one after following a clever pass from Philpott.
That blitz left Worthing shell shocked but they did recover, hitting the bar five minutes before half time with Robins goalkeeper Sarah Chappell then having to save bravely at an attackers feet.
Philpott completed a first half hat-trick with Hassocks’ fifth on the stroke of half time but there was still enough time for Worthing to pull one back to make it 5-1 going into the break.
Buoyed by that injury time goal, the Rebels started the second half the better and added a second within three minutes of the restart.
Sarah Chappell then had to make two fine saves and Tallie Bright produced a last ditch block before the introduction of Liz King saw Hassocks re-establish their authority on the tie.
Philpott saw an effort saved, Bright hit the bar and then Rushworth finally added a sixth when she coolly went around the advancing Worthing goalkeeper to roll into an empty net for 6-2.
Credit to the Rebels though who kept plugging away and they almost had a third with five minutes remaining after a bullet corner from a header hit the bar with Chappell well beaten.
There was still a goal left in the tie and it went to Hassocks, Rushworth joining Philpott in the hat-trick club when she smashed home a penalty after a handball in the box.
The Robins return to league action this Sunday when rivals Burgess Hill Town visit the Beacon.
The Hillians also advanced to the semi finals of the League Cup by beating Premier Division opposition which suggests that this local derby should provide plenty of entertainment. Kick off is at 2pm.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Sam Newman, Claire Stevens, Chloe John, Tallie Bright, Kirsten Mair, Emma Young, Gemma Craig, Katherine Chappell, Kelly Rushworth, Billie Philpott.
Subs: Ria Banitas, Jodie Johanson, Liz King, Banna Hannes (used), Hollie Larmar (unused).
