Robins tumble from top spot after defeat in seven goal thriller
Seven goals rained in at the Beacon but it was not a good morning for Hassocks Under 18s as they surrendered leadership of the Southern Combination League Central Division following a 4-3 defeat to Shoreham.
The result saw the Young Robins tumble from top spot to third, overtaken by unbeaten Montpelier Villa and last season’s Supplementary Shield champions Steyning Town.
Both Worthing United and Shoreham are also snapping at Hassocks’ heels with just five points separating the top five in what is shaping up to be an enthralling battle for the title.
Hassocks and Shoreham had met on the opening day of the season, a close affair decided 1-0 in the Robins’ favour at Middle Road thanks to a Sam Geard penalty. This return match was the polar opposite, featuring goals galore and plenty of entertainment.
It was a little feisty at times too and although no Hassocks player managed to find their way into referee Darren Eaton’s notebook – a rarity given that he would caution Stuart Faith whenever he officiated Hassocks back in the day – Shoreham were issued four cautions over the 90 minutes.
Edward Thompson, Fraser Healy, substitute Liam Smart and Tom Ross all had their names taken by Mr Eaton.
Another Tom from the Shoreham ranks ended up being the match winner, Tom Bond hitting a hat-trick which ultimately decided the game in the visitor’s favour.
Hassocks made two changes from the side beaten 2-1 by Worthing United a week earlier. Daniel Lade and Harry Carter both dropped to the bench with Jack Thomas and second top scorer Oliver Parker-Williams returning.
Parker-Williams was unable to add to his haul of five so far but top scorer Geard did notch, taking his tally onto seven for the campaign with his second goal of the season against Shoreham.
Also on target for the Robins were Carter who scored when introduced from the bench and Archie Russell, who is enjoying an excellent November with five goals so far spread across the Under 23s and Under 18s.
Charlie Smith made his Hassocks debut as a second half substitute in the other positive to come from the morning but the chances of a point were taken away from the Robins thanks to the excellence of Bond. Shoreham’s other goal came via Joe Dixon.
Next up for Hassocks is the short trip to St Francis Rangers for a Mid Sussex Derby in a week’s time.
Hassocks: Jayden Dunkley, Dan Llewellyn, Harry Bundy, Jamie Douglass, Max Beston, Jack Thomas, Sam Geard, Beau Howard, Oliver Parker-Williams, Archie Hill, Archie Russell.
Subs: Harry Carter, Dan Lade, Rob Newman, Charlie Smith (used).
