Bragging rights go Rangers way in fiery Colwell Road clash
A Mid Sussex Derby against local rivals St Francis Rangers gave Hassocks Under 18s their first chance to play a Southern Combination League away game of the season.
The short trip to Colwell Road saw the Robins beaten 2-1 in a fiery encounter, bringing back memories of when these two clubs used to clash with fireworks at first team level a decade ago.
Hassocks rarely pick up bookings at Under 18 level, so three in one home game is indicative of a game which the Robins were determined not to lose. Entering the book of referee Konrad Kaminski were Alex Brewer, Charlie Smith and substitute Ryan Goss.
At least one man connected to Hassocks looked happy after the full time whistle – Dave John could be seen rubbing his hands with glee about collecting three “admin fee” from the players in question once their fines come through from the Sussex FA.
Last week, the Robins had been beaten by a side who had more match practice than them when Worthing United triumphed 2-1 at the Beacon.
The boot was on the other foot on this occasion. Hassocks had two games under their belts whereas Rangers had not played for two weeks since a hugely impressive 4-1 win over Saltdean United.
Unfortunately, the Robins could not make the extra minutes in the tank count and so they came away from the Hospital with nothing to show for their efforts, other than Johnsy increasing the club’s bank balance.
Hassocks made two changes from the side beaten by the Mavericks. Soon-to-be-yellow-carded Smith was one of those, replacing Sam Dean.
Last season’s top scorer Oliver Parker-Williams was also missing. Will Varley returned straight into the starting XI having been absent for the Worthing United defeat.
Rangers scored their two goals through a 22nd minute Ricardo Silva strike and a neat effort from Josh Nandhra.
For Hassocks, substitute Ryan Goss opened his account for the club on his third appearance of the season from the bench.
The Robins continue to give new faces debuts in what is a very young squad. Ben Foster was this week’s debutant when he came on in the second half.
Unlike his former-England international goalkeeper namesake, he did not put a GoPro in the goal and film his every moment. Can you imagine what Johnsy would have said about that?
There was also a first appearance of the season for Archie Hill, one of the few remaining players from last season’s squad when he was one of the first names on the team sheet.
Hill had to settle being a used substitute here, but he is sure to add a lot to the group when available this season.
Hassocks are next in action on Sunday with another local derby, this time at home to Burgess Hill Town, the unbeaten league leaders.
Youth team games against the Hillians have been spicy affairs, pretty much since the first Hassocks Under 18s side began playing in the early 1990s. Kick off is at 11am at the Beacon.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Charlie Smith, George Gladding, Ed Tobias, Sam Fernley, Alex Wintle, Harry Carter, Oliver Goswamy, Jack Duckett, Will Varley Alex Brewer.
Subs: Ryan Goss, Archie Hill, Ben Foster (used).
