Robins sign off for Christmas with a fifth successive defeat
The curtain came down on 2021 for Hassocks Under 18s with another unfortunate and close defeat as AFC Varndeanians left the Beacon with all three points thanks to a 2-1 victory.
Hassocks have now lost five matches in a row. The Robins are stuck in a rut and will no doubt be grateful for a couple of weeks off over Christmas to regroup in an attempt to get their season back on track in 2022.
Selection issues have hampered Hassocks over recent weeks. The postponement of last week’s home game against Worthing United did at least give managers Neil Parker and Glen Geard the opportunity to get some of their players back.
Injuries and absentees have been as keenly felt in the Under 18s as they have at senior level over recent weeks.
But then holidays and Covid-19 denied the Robins other regulars, leading to five changes from the 2-1 defeat to Central Division leaders Villa defeat a fortnight ago and a somewhat makeshift line up.
The biggest positive was the return of top scorer Sam Geard, who had missed both the Villa game the Mid Sussex Derby loss at St Francis Rangers.
On the negative side, Hassocks were without Harry Bundy, Jamie Douglass, Ismaila Housainou Njai and Daniel Llewellyn whilst Archie Hill dropped down to the bench.
Coming into the side along with Geard were Harry Carter, Joe Holland, Jack Thomas and Charlie Smith who was making his full debut for the Robins.
The last time these teams met back in September had been a tight affair. Hassocks eventually triumphed 3-2 at Withdean Stadium thanks to goals from Geard, Archie Russell and Beau Howard, giving the Robins a fourth win from their opening five games of the season.
Hassocks therefore knew that V’s would be tough opponents, especially given the Robins’ recent run of form. And at the end of the day, the visitors just about had the edge.
Their goals came via Femi Ofei-Kwatia and Eli Edwards. The Robins struck through Oliver Parker-Williams, scoring his seventh of the season to draw level with Geard at the top of the Hassocks scoring charts.
Hassocks: Jayden Dunkley, Joe Holland, Harry Bundy, Jack Thomas, Max Beston, Alfie Beck, Harry Carter, Beau Howard, Oliver Parker-Williams, Charlie Smith, Archie Russell.
Subs: Keegan Croydon-Elkins, Alfie Beck, Joe Woodhouse, Muhammad Wilson.
