Early Epsom goal sends Robins to defeat in first friendly
Blink and you would have missed it. Epsom & Ewell needed only 18 seconds to take the lead against Hassocks at the Beacon with a goal which proved enough to decide this pre-season friendly in favour of the visitors.
A ball into midfield was not dealt with by the Robins, leaving A Trialist with the space to turn and shoot from distance. Alex Harris was caught somewhat by surprise and new Epsom boss Anthony Jupp had the perfect start to his second game at the helm.
Jupp has brought a number of players to the Salts with him from previous club Horley Town. As a result, Epsom look well placed to challenge for promotion out of Division One and so this was a good test for the Hassocks in their opening pre-season fixture.
The Robins have been equally busy on the transfer front. New head coach James Westlake has made 10 signings so far. Will Broomfield, Harvey Blake, Phil Johnson, Alex Bygraves, Mike Williamson, Sam Cash and Pat Harding all featured along with three trialists.
Westlake named two different XIs, getting 45 minutes into every outfield player on a boiling hot day when regular water breaks were needed. Only Harris in goal played the 90.
To go with the new faces came a new formation. Understandably, it took a little while for Hassocks to settle but after 15 minutes they started to move the ball around well.
The Robins’ best chance of the first half fell to Johnson after fantastic build up play. A diagonal cross field pass towards the back post was met by the marauding Broomfield, charging forward from centre back to join the attack.
Broomfield volleyed back across goal to Johnson who blazed over when well placed. It was encouraging stuff from Hassocks and Westlake and his assistant Phil Gault certainly seemed to enjoy it.
The second half team got into the swing of things much quicker than the first half, helped of course by not conceding a goal inside of 18 seconds.
Hassocks had the lion’s share of possession and played some really nice stuff on an excellent surface. The only thing missing was a goal.
The closest the Robins came was when Jack Troak squandered a glorious opportunity of the sort he normally gobbles up for breakfast.
One of the trialists sent in a superb delivery from a free kick in a wide area which Harding headed against the cross bar.
The loose ball came down, bounced back up and was met by the head of the leaping Troak. All he had to do was guide it into the goal but he headed over, although the Epsom goalkeeper deserves credit for reacting quickly enough to the rebound to put Troak off.
Such misses are what pre-season is for though; a shaking of the cobwebs that have gathered in the 10-and-a-half weeks since Hassocks faced Littlehampton Town in the semi finals of the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup.
Hassocks will be better for the game time from an encouraging first outing under Westlake. The Robins take on another set of Division One opponents on Tuesday night when making the trip to Arundel.
Hassocks first half: Alex Harris, Harvey Blake, Will Broomfield, Alfie Loversidge, Bradley Tighe, Luke Marshall, Lewis Westlake, Connor Bradley, Charlie Broad, Phil Johnson, A Trialist.
Hassocks second half: Alex Harris, A Trialist, A Trialist, Jude Wallis, Arthur Rawlingson, Alex Bygraves, Sam Cash, Mike Williamson, Joe Bull, Pat Harding, Jack Troak.
