Top of the table clash goes Bears way in final 20 minutes
This has not been a good week for the undefeated records of Hassocks’ table-topping sides.
Four days after the Under 18s surrendered their unbeaten start to the Southern Combination Youth League Central Division season by losing 4-2 to Montpelier Villa, the Under 23s did likewise in going down 2-0 away at Broadbridge Heath in the North Division.
The Robins arrived at High Wood Hill Sports Ground joint-top alongside the Bears having not lost in seven matches in all competitions, their best start to a campaign for many years.
They had no answer to a fine Heath outfit however, who moved three points clear at the top and became the first opposition to stop Hassocks scoring all season.
The Bears also became only the second team to put two goals past the Hassocks defence, Saltdean United having also managed the feat in the Sussex Under 23 Challenge Cup two weeks earlier.
In the North Division, the Robins had kept four consecutive clean sheets and conceded only two goals all season.
Hassocks made four changes from the previous week’s convincing 3-0 win over Alfold. Those included losing all their scorers from that clash with two-goal Spencer Slaughter and one-goal Lucas Tyrrell both absent. Jordan Badger was also unavailable whilst Wes Tighe dropped down the bench.
Despite the personnel adjustments, Hassocks could still name a very strong line up. Five days after scoring his first senior goal for nearly four years against Horsham YMCA, the evergreen Phil Gault started as one of Hassocks’ permitted overage players as he looks to build up match fitness.
Jack Gardner was given a rare Under 23s appearance in place of Tighe, Luke Marshall took over from Badger and Tyrrell’s place was taken by the Robins’ five-goal top scorer Jay Hudson, promoted back into the starting XI having sat on the bench for Alfold match.
Dan Turner was a notable used substitute for Hassocks, getting his first minutes since an August injury. He appeared to come through relatively unscathed, which is good news for the first team ahead of a very important run of matches over the next few weeks against fellow Premier Division strugglers.
For over an hour, this was an even contest. It was clear why both these sides were yet to lose a game as they played some excellent football with little to separate them.
It remained locked at 0-0 right up until the 70th minute, when Tyler Symonds managed to break the deadlock for Heath.
Hassocks had to pour forward in response and that left space for the Bears to exploit on the counter. And that was where there killer second came from, scored with 10 minutes remaining by Harry Williams to move Heath three points clear at the top.
Next up for Hassocks is a tough looking trip to Crowborough Athletic in a week’s time.
Hassocks: Harvey Parker, Jack Gardner, Luke Marshall, Arthur Rawlingson, Harvey Ransome, Josh Hawkes, Jack Baden, Phil Gault, Ben Hicks, Jay Hudson, Jude Wallis.
Subs: Dan Turner, George Mercer, Wes Tighe, Brad Sweetman (used).
