Young Robins answer the call to see Under 23s through in League Cup
Hassocks Under 23s put their faith in youth to secure a spot in the third round of the Southern Combination Under 23 League Cup.
And that faith was fully justified as the Robins eased into the last 16 with a 5-1 victory away against Chessington & Hook United.
Neil Parker took seven Under 18s players with him for the adventure to Chessington, making this one of the youngest squads to ever represent Hassocks at Under 23s level.
Five started. Two came off the bench. Four were debutants. And two of them scored four of the Robins’ five goals at Chalky Lane
Where to begin? How about with the scorers. Sam Fernley’s brace moved him onto three goals for the Under 23s this season from six appearances, capping a memorable 24 hours.
The 16-year-old midfielder had made his senior debut the previous night as a second half substitute in the 5-0 Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup second round win at Forest Row, playing a part in the final goal when his low cross found its way to Danny Reid who finished.
Alex Wintle was the other double scorer and one of the four debutants. Two goals is not a bad way to mark your first Under 23s appearance.
George Gladding was the other completely new face in the starting XI with Oliver Steel and Sam Dean the two players making their debuts from the bench.
Archie Hill was handed a first start having played three times as a substitute last season, with the final Under 18s player involved being goalkeeper Jack Thomas.
Hassocks have won all three of the matches Thomas has played in since stepping up to cover for Callum Thompson, who remains sidelined with a fractured shoulder.
The raft of youth players were drafted in as five changes were made from Neil Parker’s XI which started last week’s hard-fought 2-1 victory at Loxwood.
Will Broomfield, Sam Rogers and Reid were all excused on account of playing for the first team against Frow 24 on Wednesday. Sam Smith and Charlie Broad were the other two absentees. Marshall Smith meanwhile was promoted from the bench.
Joining the Under 18s contingent in scoring at Chessington was Kieran Dimelow. United found the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes through Kieran Head with Hassocks coming off at half time with a 3-1 lead.
Having been beaten 4-1 at Chalky Lane by Hassocks in the North Division six weeks earlier, Chessington will probably have been hoping to see the back of the Robins.
No such luck; United will visit the Beacon on Thursday 17th November in the return league fixture as Hassock look to maintain top spot in the North Division.
In the League Cup, victory over Chessington sets up a trip to West Division side East Preston in the third round of the competition. EP booked their place by winning 4-0 away at Mile Oak.
No date has been set for that tie yet. The Under 23s next game comes on Thursday night at home to Oakwood. Kick off is at 7:45pm.
Hassocks: Jack Thomas, Wes Tighe, George Gladding, Archie Hill, Jack Smith, Ben Hicks, Sam Fernley, Kieran Dimelow, George Mercer, Marshall Smith, Alex Wintle.
Subs: Arthur Rawlingson, Sam Dean, Oliver Steel (used).
