LIVELY WASPS HAVE TOO MUCH STING FOR HASSOCKS
After four weeks without a fixture, Hassocks Ladies returned to action against a strong Crawley Wasps Development Squad.
The Robins had triumphed 3-2 in a ding-dong game last time these sides met at the Beacon back in September with Liz King’s goal two minutes from time proving to be the difference.
Wasps left Hassocks feeling extremely hard done by on that occasion and they gained ample revenge with a convincing 3-0 win this time around at Ewhurst Place.
Nothing pointed towards such a dominant win for the hosts in the opening exchanges which were fairly even. Hassocks had the first chance through Katherine Chappell who drew a good save from the home goalkeeper and then Sarah Chappell in the Robins’ goal had to make an equally fine stop.
A Bethany Purse through ball was just a little too hard for Jodie Johanson to get on the end of with Hassocks’ midfield trio of Jess Craig, Gemma Craig and Kirsten Mair linking up well.
The action was just past the 15 minute mark when Wasps began to show their quality, creating a succession of good opportunities.
Emma Flin had to head a dangerous looking cross away, a shot at the end of a goalmouth scramble was lifted just over the bar and Claire Stevens had to make a good clearance.
The pressure was building and it wasn’t too much of a surprise when it final told as well placed shot into the corner gave Sarah Chappell no chance.
Hassocks responded well to falling behind and Purse saw an effort blocked, forcing a corner. The delivery was an excellent one which Stevens met with a firm header.
That too was blocked and Wasps launched a blistering counter attack which really should have doubled their advantage but the final shot was placed wide.
Sarah Chappell made another good stop as half time approached but Hassocks couldn’t quite make it to the break without conceding a second as Wasps netted with four minutes of the half remaining.
The action wasn’t done there, Hassocks earning a free kick almost straight from kick off from which Kirsten Mair produced a stunning strike.
It looked to all the world as if it was heading straight for the top corner until the Wasps’ goalkeeper pulled off a magnificent save to turn it around the post.
Wasps again broke from the resulting corner but luckily for the Robins, they were wasted another chance on the counter.
Hassocks suffered a blow at half time as Gemma Craig was forced off through injury, her place being taken by Ellie Moquet.
Wasps started the second half brightly and Sarah Chappell had to save a fierce shot within five minutes of the restart.
The hosts were clearly looking for the third goal which would kill the game and they didn’t have long to wait to get it as they netted in the 53rd minute to effectively sew up the points.
It could have got worse for the Robins after that. Johanson had to track back and cover a break at the expense of a corner, from which Stevens was forced into a solid clearing header.
The Robins continued to plug away and Purse went close to a consolation with a saved effort before Chloe John replaced Johanson who had tirelessly run herself into the ground.
Another Hassocks corner caused problems as Stevens saw her header blocked, leading to a melee in the box in which Katherine Chappell’s shot was charged down.
Moquet nearly played in John but the through ball was once again just a little overhit. Hassocks had one final chance to pull one back when Mair’s cross reached the far post but Moquet was just about unable to get there.
There were no complaints about the score come the final whistle. In fact, it could have been worse were it not for some smart stops from Sarah Chappell and some determined defending from the back three of Flin, Stevens and Sam Newman.
The result wasn’t enough to move Wasps off the bottom of the table although it does take them to within four points of the Robins, who face a tough trip to Herne Bay next Sunday.
That’s followed by four consecutive home games which could go a long way towards deciding whether Martin Lee’s side remain in the Premier Division for next season.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Sam Newman, Claire Stevens, Emma Flin, Jodie Johanson, Tallie Bright, Kirsten Mair, Jess Craig, Gemma Craig, Bethany Purse, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Ellie Moquet, Chloe John (used).
