Hassocks hit nine for a second time to book League Cup quarter final spot
With yet another relentless display, Hassocks Ladies advanced to the quarter finals of the Sussex County Women’s League Cup thanks to a 9-1 win away at AFC Uckfield Town.
There was no indication of the scoreline to come in a frantic start where the hosts had a couple of chances. Holly Webb had to be alert to clear a dangerous situation and then Claire Stevens needed treatment after a crunching tackle.
The Robins soon got into their stride and the Uckfield goalkeeper did well to gather from the onrushing Katherine Chappell after a Mia Pordage through ball.
Pordage was available after returning from university for the weekend. Also back from university was Jodie Johanson, who won a corner in the 10th minute. Kirsten Mair delivered with her trademark pinpoint accuracy, allowing Jess Craig to open the scoring.
Uckfield responded well to going behind. They forced a scramble in the Hassocks goalmouth which the Robins survived before regaining control and forcing the home goalkeeper into another good stop from a Emma Flin free kick.
A superb move involving Craig and Mair resulted in a shot over the bar from Chappell. The 16th minute brought a similarly excellent passage of play, ending with a foul of Chappell in the Uckfield box after a Johanson pass. Chappell despatched the penalty to double the lead.
Hassocks scored their third shortly after. Johanson won a corner which produced another scramble ended by Craig heading home.
The Robins continued to press. Pordage had a shot saved and Tallie Bright came close when hitting the bar. It was against the run of play when Uckfield pulled one back.
Jenny Drury fired a superbly struck free kick into the top corner from 30 yards which gave Hassocks goalkeeper Sarah Chappell no chance.
The Robins hit back immediately. Johanson went close, after which Chappell completed her hat-trick with goals in the 36th and 38th minutes, making it 5-1.
A penetrating run from Stevens next released Johanson to shoot wide before Craig claimed the second Hassocks hat-trick of the afternoon, scoring just prior to the break as the first half finished with the Robins 6-1 ahead.
Hassocks made one change at half time. Johanson was replaced by Katie Read who immediately made her mark, playing a pass to Chappell for a shot well stopped.
A brilliant run by Mair gave another chance to Chappell who dragged her shot wide and Stevens produced a penetrating pass enabling Chappell to have another effort, also narrowly wide.
Defender Jo Brown ventured forward to win a corner, from which Hassocks scored their seventh. The corner was taken short and well-worked, enabling Mair to cross from a better angle to give Craig an easy header at the far post for her fourth goal.
Hassocks added their eighth on 72 minutes when Chappell moved onto four after yet another brilliant Mair corner.
Izzy Cloke was introduced from the bench in the 72nd minute and was soon linking up with fellow substitute Read as they combined to set up the ninth. Read won the ball and Cloke produced a clever flick towards goal, ending with Pordage finding the net.
Webb – who had been steadfast in defence all game – had a chance late on to show her attacking skills with a great through ball to earn Hassocks a corner.
The Robins mustered one more effort, a Pordage shot being well saved before the final whistle blew on a fine 9-1 victory for Hassocks.
Although the Robins were expected to win playing a team from a lower division, the players all demonstrated the right attitude.
Hassocks treated their opponents – who never stopped trying – with respect whilst also being ruthless in their goal scoring. Overall, it was another excellent performance.
The Robins now have a week off before playing their first league game of the season at the Beacon on Sunday 23rd October. Seaford Town are the visitors for a 2pm kick off and admission is free.
Hassocks: Sarah Chappell, Claire Stevens, Jo Brown, Kirsten Mair, Emma Flin, Tallie Bright, Holly Webb, Jess Craig, Mia Pordage, Jodie Johanson, Katherine Chappell.
Subs: Katie Read, Izzy Cloke (used).
